Gravesite of Crisfield’s early settlers to be stabilized, public invited to hear lectures on local history

Joe Paden and UMES students in 2016 worked to restore the Nelson Homestead family cemetery off Cash Corner Road. On Saturday, March 25, they will be back stabilizing another small cemetery, this time on Calvary Road. The public is especially invited for the talks about local Native American history, genealogy and lore which begin at 10 a.m. The program is free, but donations will be accepted.

CRISFIELD — On Saturday, March 25, Joe Paden of the historic preservation group and tour guide outfitter, The Crisfield Story Project, will be leading a cemetery restoration of “Nelson’s Plot” located at 3075 Calvary Road in Crisfield. The restoration will be carried out by volunteers consisting of students and staff from the UMES Office of University Engagement and Lifelong Learning.

The Nelson Plot is the family cemetery of John Nelson, son of Revolutionary War Veteran, Thomas King Nelson, and grandson of Sacker Nelson who was kidnapped during that war to pilot the British fleet up the Chesapeake Bay. Mr. Paden will be sharing stories of this and other families throughout the day.

At 10 a.m., Native American expert, Norris Howard, chief of the Pocomoke Indian Nation will be giving a lecture and presentation on Native American life in the area. He will be followed by historian and genealogist Philip Goldsborough who will be covering the colonization of the Eastern Shore along with other interesting episodes in our history. Genealogist Linda Paden will also be present to answer questions pertaining to the histories of local families.

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