History is being protected in Prince William County.
Funding has been approved by the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) to preserve history, perform research, and conduct public interpretation for historic communities, including The Settlement and Thoroughfare.
The $765,000 that will be allocated in fiscal 2022 is also going to be used to hire an archaeologist.
Prior to the board’s decision, county staff were asked to create a plan for researching and interpreting the communities’ cultural resources, and restoring Scott Cemetery.
Suggestions for researching and preserving African American history, historic communities, and culture were also requested by the BOCS.
Scott Cemetery stands in Thoroughfare. Seventy-five to 100 people are buried there, according to the Prince William County Historical Commission’s 2001 Countywide survey report.
The cemetery wasn’t included in Circuit Court record deeds or property appraisals, and wasn’t reported by those who inherited the land. The property was sold at a judicial auction last July, according to Prince William County Circuit Court records.
Determining boundaries, archaeological fencing, and adding a sign are among the cemetery restoration projects.