Black Pearls of Genealogy Memorial Projects

Both the Lost Stories Memorial and the Cross Memorial offered by Black Pearls of Genealogy are not just static artifacts but vibrant storytellers. They are significant beacons for reflection, learning, and appreciation, ensuring that the legacies they represent are never forgotten but continue to inspire generations to come.

Lost Stories Memorial

Cross
Memorial

Securing Permission:

Identify the suggested location where the memorial will be placed.
Contact the land owner, state, or city formally with a letter or in person to discuss your intentions.
Obtain written permission to access the land and establish a memorial.

Location of your Memorial:

This location has to be visible and fully accessible to the public and your community.
A Google Earth image will be required, to help determine the type of equipment that will be needed during delivery of the memorial.
This location CAN NOT be located in the middle of the woods, a cornfield, or a place that you can only visit with the use of a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle, etc.

Researching History:

Visit the county or parish Recorder of Deeds to check land records and ownership history.
Consult local historical and genealogical societies for any records or oral histories.
Reach out to local churches that might have additional records.
If your location is a burial site, and grave markers are present, try to locate death certificates or other documentation and possibly get more historical context.

If a Burial Site, Creating a Find A Grave Memorial Site:

If the cemetery is not already listed on Find A Grave, take photographs of the grave markers.
Create a new cemetery page on the site and add individual memorials for each identifiable burial.

Securing Personnel and Resources for Foundation:

Based on the guidelines submitted with your approval letter, list the materials and personnel needed.
Contact local contractors who may be willing to donate their time or offer services at a reduced rate for community service.

Installation of the Memorial Marker:

Coordinate with the personnel who will be handling the installation. A local assembler or company will be required to assemble your memorial. We will help using our contact if needed.
Ensure they have a copy of the guidelines and understand the importance of adhering to them.

Writing a Brief Proposal:

Include the location, history, and any other identifying information you’ve gathered.
Articulate the rationale for why a memorial marker is important for your community.
Describe your organization and its role in this project.

Contacting Black Pearls of Genealogy:

Compile all the information into a professional email.
Outline what you’re seeking to do and any assistance or support you’re requesting from them.

Approval Documentation

Upon this approval, our administrative team will draft a comprehensive letter outlining the project’s framework, anticipated outcomes, and a timeline for critical milestones. This document will serve as a foundational guide for both our teams and will be dispatched to your organization’s within five business days.

Financial Commitment

In alignment with standard project implementation protocols, a minimum fee of $1,000 is required to cover the logistics encompassing shipping, handling, and administrative processes. This fee is instrumental in ensuring that all preparatory measures are efficiently managed, facilitating a prompt project kickoff.

We understand that financial constraints vary among our partners. Therefore, we maintain a policy that allows for the potential waiver of these fees at the discretion of the Board of Project Oversight Group (BPOG). Should your organization face challenges in meeting this financial commitment, you are encouraged to submit a formal request for fee waiver consideration. The BPOG will evaluate such requests on a case-by-case basis, considering the project’s scope, the organization’s financial standing, and the strategic importance of the initiative.

Please note that while the BPOG is open to fee waiver requests, the submission of a request does not guarantee a waiver. The board reserves the right to make decisions based on the best interest of the project’s objectives and the equitable distribution of its resources.

Fundraising Initiatives

Recognizing the financial challenges that can accompany new ventures, we encourage your organization to engage in fundraising efforts or to solicit donations. These initiatives are an excellent opportunity to galvanize community support and secure the requisite funds for the initial phase of the project.

Cancellation Policy

It is imperative to acknowledge that your organization’s decision to cancel the project post-approval will incur full financial accountability for any expenses or commitments made up to the point of cancellation. This clause is a safeguard to ensure the responsible allocation of resources and to mitigate potential losses.

We believe in transparent and proactive communication and remain available to discuss any aspect of this process. We look forward to your partnership and the impactful results our joint efforts will yield.

David Anthony Taylor, Executive Director