Vandalism at the historic Black Lebanon Cemetery is not believed to be a hate crime

After several hours of trying to clean up after several tombstones had been overturned at the historically Black Lebanon Cemetery, the emotion of the vandalism hit Samantha Dorm.

Two of the headstones that had been desecrated belonged to her ancestors, she said.

"It's very personal," Dorm, president of the Lebanon Cemetery Company, said.

Dorm, and a committed cadre of volunteers, have worked for years to restore the historic cemetery in North York to honor those who were interred there and their families. The cemetery was established in 1872 on what was then a rural hillside north of York to house the earthly remains of former slaves and their descendants who had settled in York County. Back then, Dorm has said, there was segregation even in death.

Last week, sometime between Wednesday and Friday, seven tombstones were toppled. It could have been more, other tombstones seemed to be disturbed, but Dorm said it was hard to tell since the caretakers of the cemetery are still working on restoring it after some years of neglect.

Dorm said cemetery volunteers are still trying to assess the damage and contact affected families. The effort, she said, has been thwarted by the lack of records that exist about the families who interred loved ones there.

The vandalism has not been linked to hate crimes, Dorm said, as the cemetery inadvertently serves as a destination for transients and a party venue for kids who often leave behind evidence of their illicit revelry.

For the volunteers who have worked for years to restore the cemetery and gain recognition for its historic significance, the desecration hurts.

"It's a step back," Dorm said. "Right now, it's not going to keep up from continuing forward."

The cemetery is till trying to track down families who may have been affected. Cemetery records are spotty, she said. Those who wish to contact the cemetery company may call 717-819-9448, or email to lebanoncemeterycompany@gmail.com, or send information via mail to Lebanon Cemetery Company, PO Box 7204, York, PA 17404.

Meanwhile, Dorm said, the cemetery company is working with Northern York County Regional Police to increase security and surveillance at the cemetery.

Columnist/reporter Mike Argento has been a York Daily Record staffer since 1982. Reach him at mike@ydr.com.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Vandalism at the historic Black Lebanon Cemetery is not believed to be a hate crime