Oneonta NAACP, GOHS Announce Gravesite Unveiling on Oct. 10

WEST BURLINGTON—The Oneonta Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will partner with the Greater Oneonta Historical Society on Saturday, October 10 to unveil a newly-restored gravesite at the West Burlington Cemetery, 2417 State Route 80, Burlington Flats.

The unveiling ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. at the site of the original gravestone and its new replica marker for York, a formerly enslaved person in Otsego County. According to a press release, York was born in Africa and won his freedom sometime during his life. As a free man, he owned property in Otsego County and lived as a respected member of his local Baptist church and community until his death in 1807 at the age of 60.

The ceremony, which is free and open to the public, will include remarks from Oneonta NAACP Former President Lee Fisher, Community Foundation of Otsego County Executive Director Jeff Katz, Project Co-coordinator Dr. Matthew Hendley and other special guests.

This gravesite restoration project was funded by the Oneonta NAACP, with the help of an Otsego County Cemetery Restoration Fund grant from the CFO. In the press release, the Oneonta NAACP gives special thanks to Cherry Valley Memorials for creating the replica gravestone, and Alpine Engraving for engraving the commemorative plaque that accompanies it.