Hurricane Ida damage headstones and vaults at Rocky Hill Cemetery

Damaged Vault
Rocky Hill Cemetery
Photo Credit:  Dr. Antoinette Harrell

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, I visited Rocky Hill Cemetery. There is a cemetery there where my maternal 3rd great-grandparents Thomas and Amanda Breland Richardson are buried. Both lived their entire lives in St. Helena Parish. I have visited the cemetery for decades to record the inscriptions on the headstones. It is  easy for me to recall driving down the gravel road to the church where they both worshipped. Many of the surnames in the cemetery are familiar to me. Tanner, Vining, Richardson, Chaney, Jackson, Glaspy, Self, Bush, Porters, Johnsons, Hurst, just to name a few. 

The cemetery was damaged by several trees that fell on graves. There were some graves that were seriously damaged. Several headstones lie broken on the ground with large holes. Hopefully, the headstones and vault can be repaired. Otherwise, these monuments will disappear forever. If you have family buried in Rocky Hill Cemetery, you may want to visit the cemetery to check on their graves.

We should rethink planting trees in cemeteries and cutting them down before they become unmanageable. It is also imperative to consider the roots and the damage they can cause. There is no doubt that such repairs can be costly. Since COVID-19, headstone prices have increased significantly.   The deceased loved ones may not live in close proximity to the cemetery and can be unaware of the damages. It would be great if you could visit the cemetery.  The deceased loved ones may not live in close proximity to the cemetery and can be unaware of the damages.

The grave of Willie Richardson
Rocky Hill Cemetery, St. Helena Parish
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Hammond Magnet School focus on local history for Black History Month

Hammond Magnet School
Photo Credit: Mr. Kip Andrews

Dr. Antoinette Harrell was invited to speak at Hammond Magnet High School in Hammond, Louisiana to celebrate Black History Month. At the beginning of the week Mr. Kip Andrew had the students research and learn about the history of two African American churches in Hammond, LA.,  St. James A.M.E. Church was founded in 1867. The church is still standing and active to this day. The second oldest church Greenfield Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1870. Mr. Andrews pointed out that both churches are huge milestones within the African American history in Hammond, Louisiana.  

"Having the students to explore and study local history is important. Oftentimes, we look at history on a national level. Sometimes people over look local history makers, icons, and pioneers, "said Harrell. Harrell stress the importance of exploring local history. Matter of fact, many of the students can be related to the local history makers she said.  Mr. Andrew said that the students are working on a hard back book of the local history. Harrell volunteer to assist in anyway that she can. 

Harrell was impressed with the interaction from the students. Some of the students had several questions for Dr. Harrell. They had good questions and comments concerning the information that Harrell shared. 

St. Helena Parish Clerk on a mission to preserve local records and creating online access

Mildred Cyprian
St. Helena Parish Clerk
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell 

I have conducted genealogy research for the past 30+ years at the St. Helena Parish Clerk's Office in Greensburg, LA. My family history traces back to St. Helena. It has always been an enjoyable experience for me to conduct research at the Clerk's office. In terms of preserving the records, I have seen tremendous changes in the last eight years.  I'm  impressed with the hard work Mildred Cyprian and her staff put into preserving records at the Clerk's Office. 

Just recently I learned that mortgage and conveyance records from 1983 to present is available online. This is a major step for Clerk's Offices located in rural communities to take. St. Helena has never had a fire to take place like many courthouse across the country. Some of the records dates back to the early 1800s and need to be protect and preserved. Many are crumbling up at a touch.  It's like watching a little piece of history be destroyed forever through each crumbling piece of the paper. "What can we do about it?" Collaborating with experts in this area would be the first step to take. These records certainly should be scanned in order to continue preserving them. I would like to set up a meeting with the Clerk to discuss possibilities.  

Previously, a briefcases and folders could be brought into the vault. Although we can no longer enter into the vault. You still have access to the records.  Whatever you need from the vault,  Denise Godfrey, the Key Deputy Clerk, will be glad to assist you. I'm in agreement as a genealogist and local historian.  It is not uncommon for  records be stolen and lost. It may be difficult for some people to understand this change. It is necessary to make this change in order to protect and preserve the records. The records in St. Helena Parish hold the key to understanding our parish's history. I'm very pleased with the new changes that I see each time I visit the clerk's office to conduct genealogy research. In recent years, the clerk's office has become more popular with genealogists and local historians. St. Helena Clerk's Office has been visited by groups from all over the country for research. 

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