(July 2026 Edition)
Since its founding in April 2023, the Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery (FCMGC) has worked alongside our community to preserve and protect the Historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery (est. 1884)—a sacred place that tells the story of generations who came before us. In just three short years, we have accomplished more than we could have imagined. From historic preservation initiatives and archaeological discoveries to volunteer cleanups, community partnerships, educational programs, and state-funded preservation projects, every milestone has been made possible through the dedication of people who believe this cemetery and history matters.
History Continues to Be Revealed
As this issue goes to press, history is literally being uncovered at Historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery as our Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey Team continues its remarkable work documenting one of Citrus County's most significant historic African American cemeteries. The orange flags mark the survey boundaries, while the purple flags identify confirmed burials located through Ground Penetrating Radar technology. Although visitors can see dozens of purple flags across the landscape, the GPR data indicates there are many more unmarked burials beneath the surface than the visible flags alone can represent. This survey marks a historic milestone for the cemetery and for our community. For the first time in the cemetery's history, Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery is creating a comprehensive record of those who rest here—many of whom have remained without headstones or formal recognition for generations. Every discovery helps preserve history, protect sacred ground, and ensure these individuals are never forgotten.
While we have received preliminary findings, we will wait for the official GPR report before announcing the final number of unmarked burials identified during this phase of the project. The cemetery remains open to visitors throughout the survey. If you visit, we respectfully ask that you avoid disturbing the survey team, their equipment, and any flags or markers. Each plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of this important preservation effort. Every purple flag represents far more than a point on a map. It represents a life lived, a family remembered, and a story that deserves to be honored for generations to come.
FCMGC Board of Directors Update
Welcome to Our Board
The Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery is pleased to welcome Gregory R. Sawyer to its Board of Directors. A longtime supporter of our preservation mission, Mr. Sawyer brings distinguished leadership, military service, strategic planning expertise, and a lifelong commitment to community service.
A Citrus County native, Mr. Sawyer is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School, retiring as a U.S. Navy Commander and decorated combat aviator with more than 2,200 flight hours and 500 aircraft carrier landings. Today, he serves as Vice President and Co-Founder of CSJ Partners, LLC and as Tactical Aviation Lead Subject Matter Expert for Valiant Integrated Services.
As FCMGC enters Phase II of its historic preservation initiative, Mr. Sawyer's expertise in leadership, organizational strategy, and community engagement will help strengthen our efforts to preserve, protect, and interpret one of Florida's most significant African American historic cemeteries. Welcome aboard, Greg! We look forward to your leadership as we continue preserving history, honoring legacy, and serving future generations.
Strategic Planning Underway: Building the Future
Preservation is about more than protecting the past—it's about preparing for the future. The Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery has officially begun Phase II Strategic Planning, an important step in ensuring the long-term sustainability and continued preservation of Historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
As our organization grows, so does our responsibility to protect this sacred place for generations to come.
Over the coming weeks, our Board of Directors and community partners will be developing a comprehensive roadmap focused on:
• Long-term financial sustainability
• Historic preservation priorities
• Archaeological research and documentation
• Community engagement and volunteer development
• Fundraising and philanthropic partnerships
• Organizational growth and Board development
• Leadership succession planning
Phase II builds upon that strong foundation with a vision that extends well into the future. Every decision we make today helps ensure that the stories, sacrifices, and legacies of those resting at Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery will continue to educate, inspire, and strengthen our community for generations to come.
Community Partnership Spotlight - Florida Public Archaeology
Preserving History, One Monument at a Time - Preserving a historic cemetery means preserving the stories etched in stone.
Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery has successfully completed two comprehensive headstone and monument assessments, marking another important milestone in our ongoing historic preservation efforts. These assessments documented the condition of cemetery monuments and identified priorities for conservation and restoration.
We are also pleased to announce that the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) has partnered with FCMGC to assist with the repair and preservation of historic headstones. Working alongside preservation professionals, this partnership will ensure that restoration efforts follow nationally recognized best practices, protecting both the historical integrity of the monuments and the stories they represent. Headstones are more than markers—they are lasting tributes to lives lived, families loved, and a community whose history deserves to be preserved. Through this collaboration, we are taking another significant step toward safeguarding the legacy of Historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery for future generations. Together, we are preserving history, honoring legacy, and ensuring these voices from the past continue to be remembered.
Pictured: FCMGC Volunteer John Ortiz and FPAN Archaeologist Nigel Rudolph examine a broken headstone.
Did You Know?
- Crystal Memorial Gardens was established in 1884, predating Citrus County (1887).
- Hundreds of sunken and unknown burials have been identified by the Ground Penetrating Study (which is still in process) .
- The cemetery remains an active burial ground. It is one of Citrus County's most significant African American historic resources.
Building the Future by Honoring the Past
Historic preservation is not simply about protecting old places—it is about preserving the people, stories, and values that shaped our communities. Every headstone restored, every unmarked burial documented, and every piece of history uncovered strengthens our understanding of who we are and where we came from.
At Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery, we believe that honoring those who came before us is one of the greatest gifts we can give future generations. Their lives, sacrifices, faith, and resilience deserve to be remembered—not only in history books, but in a place that reflects the dignity and respect they earned. As we move into Phase II of our preservation efforts, we are not merely restoring a cemetery. We are building a lasting legacy of stewardship, education, and community pride.
The work we do today ensures that tomorrow's generations will inherit more than a restored landscape—they will inherit the stories of the people who helped build Citrus County.
Pictured: Andrea K. McCray, President & CEO
Stand With Us in Stewardship
Together, we are preserving history, honoring lives, and protecting sacred ground. Make your gift today and help carry this mission forward and/or join our volunteer community and help safeguard a place of history and reverence.
Be Part of the Work That Matters.