2015

Many local donations were given specifically for this project (~$8464.00).

The New Hope Master Gardener volunteers assisted a small group of local schoolteachers in maintaining a current presentation for various school-aged children in Greeneville City Schools to use during “Black History Month.”  This was a result of the Greeneville City School system making a concerted effort to give more attention to minority students in helping them to achieve academic success.  They solicited the help of UT Extension’s Master Gardener volunteers involved with the New Hope Cemetery project in an effort to illustrate and instill awareness of the history and culture of African Americans in Greene County. Master Gardener volunteers and the staff at both the Greene County Museum and the Home of President Andrew Johnson developed a presentation for use in February to:

• Recognize that Greeneville has a proven small connection (as seen in Greene County Museum), but potentially a LARGER connection to the Underground Railroad (UGRR).

• Share facts of this subject area with teachers and raise awareness of this part of history that people are often afraid of, or simply unaware of, to speak about.

• Speak on the subject of slavery and African Americans as they relate the 1850’s to highlight this minority population and develop an appreciation of under-represented populations in our community.

New Hope Master Gardener volunteers also assisted in maintaining an “Honoring Our Veterans” program aimed at the two veterans buried in the New Hope Cemetery.  Descendants from six states were represented at the service.