Mt. Olive Cemetery
For over 200 years, a foundation for the African American community — one of the oldest private cemeteries in Mississippi. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Help us preserve this historic site.
A historic preservation effort in three phases
Over the past two years, Jackson State University has worked diligently to complete Phase I of the Mt. Olive Cemetery Project. This included publishing the Mt. Olive Research Book, restoring the Jim Hill and Ida Revels statues, and getting the cemetery listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
JSU is excited to launch the Mt. Olive Cemetery Capital Campaign to complete the final two phases of restoring Mt. Olive Cemetery. Phase II includes landscaping efforts, lighting, and signage, and Phase III will complete the restoration process by building a memorial wall for those buried in the cemetery.
The history of Mt. Olive Cemetery is an important one for our state. Your support will help with the preservation of the stories of the people buried there and be a key component to the revitalization of the entire Lynch Street corridor.
- Cemetery
- Mt. Olive Cemetery
- Age
- Over 200 years
- Significance
- One of the oldest private cemeteries in Mississippi
- Designation
- National Register of Historic Places
- JSU Project Office
- CUBD
- Campaign Goal
- $1 million
- Restored Statues
- Jim Hill · Ida Revels
Why we are doing this
Mt. Olive Cemetery
For over 200 years, Mt. Olive Cemetery has been a foundation for the African American community as one of the oldest private cemeteries in the state of Mississippi.
Jackson State University needs your help in preserving this historic site to continue the long rehabilitation process needed to repair the cemetery. With your support, JSU can protect and preserve the historical integrity of Jacksonians buried in the cemetery, who forged the path for a greater Mississippi.
A historic site by the numbers
200+
Years of History
3
Restoration Phases
2
Statues Restored
$1M
Campaign Goal
The Mt. Olive Cemetery preservation roadmap
Research, Restoration & Recognition
- Published the Mt. Olive Research Book
- Restored the Jim Hill statue
- Restored the Ida Revels statue
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Landscaping, Lighting & Signage
- Landscaping efforts across the cemetery grounds
- Site lighting for safety and reverent illumination
- Historical and wayfinding signage
Memorial Wall
- Building a memorial wall for those buried in the cemetery
- Honoring the stories of all Jacksonians at rest at Mt. Olive
- Completing the restoration process
Why your support matters
Purpose: To raise $1 million for the Historic Mt. Olive Cemetery. All funds will be used to maintain the site, build a memorial wall, and create a cultural destination for education.
Case Statement: For over 200 years, Mt. Olive Cemetery has been a foundation for the African American community as one of the oldest private cemeteries in the state of Mississippi. Jackson State University needs your help in preserving this historic site to continue the long rehabilitation process needed to repair the cemetery. With your support, JSU can protect and preserve the historical integrity of Jacksonians buried in the cemetery, who forged the path for a greater Mississippi.
We ask you to assist us with educating our youth about our rich and storied past. Our success depends on our friends and supporters — people like you who are committed and dedicated to the community and JSU. We thank you in advance for your support.
Explore Mt. Olive Cemetery
Their Stories — Coming Soon. A dedicated section telling the individual stories of those buried at Mt. Olive Cemetery is planned as part of the ongoing preservation effort.
Join the Mt. Olive Cemetery Capital Campaign
$1 Million
Campaign Goal
Your gift helps maintain the historic site, build the Phase III memorial wall, and create a cultural destination for educating our youth about our rich and storied African American Mississippi past.
Give to JSULearn more about Mt. Olive Cemetery
Jackson State University
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217