HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – The African American Research Society of Staunton-Augusta County is putting on a play called “Voices from our past to raise funds for the Shea House restoration project.

The piece will be a presentation of the oral history of Fairview Cemetery and the Shea House.

THE Shea Housebuilt in the 19th century, is located in Fairview Cemetery, the largest African-American cemetery in Staunton. Shea House once served as the cemetery caretaker’s house. With more than 2,000 graves on the property, the house has witnessed significant historical moments, particularly related to the African American community. However, the house is in need of restoration and local advocates are appealing for community support to help preserve it.

“We don’t have a lot of historic homes from the 1800s,” said Susie Kine, president of the African American Research Society of Staunton-Augusta County. “History is important for people to know how African Americans acquired and retained property.”

Since its establishment in 1869, Fairview Cemetery has been maintained by two local churches, Mount Zion Baptist and Augusta Street United Methodist. However, with small and aging congregations, the need for community participation in the preservation of the cemetery, including the Shea House, has become urgent.

To help fund the restoration, the African American Research Society of Staunton-Augusta County is putting on a play called Voices from our past. The play, written more than a decade ago, reflects local African American history. The show will feature actors in period costumes, singing black gospel spirituals and reenacting key historical events from the archives.

“We dress up in clothes from the 1800s and sing black spirituals. It’s like having a conversation about what happened in the past. We want everyone to feel like they’re helping to save history,” King said.

The event is a fundraiser and celebration of local history, hoping to engage the community in a meaningful way.

The play will take place Nov. 17 at Augusta Street United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. To find out more, visit the Maison du Karité social networks.

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