Summer Lecture Series in Tuscaloosa on Cemetery History

Historic Walker Cemetery with tombstones and green surroundings

Tuscaloosa, August 26, 2025

News Summary

Historic Tuscaloosa is hosting a summer lecture series, with the upcoming session focusing on the Walker Cemetery’s history. Led by Associate Professor Cameron Lacquement from the University of Alabama, the lecture will explore this early 19th-century burial site, known for being the first unsegregated cemetery in the area. Open to the public and free of charge, the event aims to deepen community understanding of local history. The lecture is scheduled for the end of August, with a gathering prior to the presentation.

Tuscaloosa

Historic Tuscaloosa is set to host its next installment of the summer lecture series on Thursday, August 28. This engaging event will be led by Associate Professor Cameron Lacquement from the University of Alabama and will delve into the rich history of the Walker Cemetery, an early 19th-century burial site believed to be the first unsegregated cemetery in Tuscaloosa County.

The lecture is scheduled to commence at 5:30 p.m. in Room 38 of Lloyd Hall on the University of Alabama campus, with a pre-lecture gathering beginning at 5:00 p.m.. Admission is free and open to the public, making it accessible to anyone interested in learning about this significant part of local history.

Lecture Highlights

The focus of Lacquement’s lecture, titled “The History of the Walker Cemetery — An Early 19th Century Cemetery of Tuscaloosa”, will examine various aspects of the cemetery, such as its historical context, burial styles, and efforts for preservation. The Walker Cemetery is located at the area of the former Partlow Boys Colony at Munny Sokol Park, having been rediscovered by a local resident during a geocaching excursion.

Professor Lacquement, along with students from the university’s anthropology department, has undertaken extensive research on the cemetery. Their studies have uncovered significant details regarding its development and status as an unsegregated site through the early 20th century, enriching the narrative of Tuscaloosa’s history.

About Cameron Lacquement

Cameron Lacquement, who hails from North Carolina, earned dual undergraduate degrees in anthropology and criminal justice from Western Carolina University. After relocating to Tuscaloosa in 2002, he further pursued his education, receiving a master’s and doctorate in anthropology from the University of Alabama. Joining the Department of Anthropology as a teaching professor in 2014, Lacquement’s research specializes in Southeastern archaeology, including both monumental and domestic architecture.

Summer Lecture Series Overview

The upcoming lecture is part of a broader summer series that explores varying topics related to the history and heritage of Tuscaloosa. The series kicked off on June 26 with a discussion about the University of Alabama’s coal lands and the convict lease system in Alabama, followed by the second lecture on July 24 covering the Birmingham Mineral Railroad Signs Project. The series will conclude on September 25 with a final talk focused on Virginia Tunstall Clay, who is recognized as a notable figure from the local area.

For those seeking additional information about the lecture series or upcoming events, inquiries can be made through the website historictuscaloosa.org or by calling (205) 758-2238.

Key Features of the Lecture Event

Feature Details
Date August 28, 2023
Time 5:30 p.m. (Pre-lecture gathering at 5:00 p.m.)
Location Room 38, Lloyd Hall, University of Alabama
Admission Free and open to the public
Speaker Cameron Lacquement, Associate Professor
Lecture Title The History of the Walker Cemetery

FAQ

What is the purpose of the summer lecture series?

The summer lecture series aims to explore various topics related to the history and heritage of Tuscaloosa, promoting community engagement and education.

Who is the featured speaker for the August 28 lecture?

Associate Professor Cameron Lacquement from the University of Alabama will be presenting.

Is there an admission fee for attendees?

No, admission to the lecture is free, making it accessible to all members of the public.

What topics were covered in previous lectures of the series?

Previous lectures included discussions on the University of Alabama’s coal lands and the Birmingham Mineral Railroad Signs Project.

Where can I find more information about the lecture series?

More information can be found on the website historictuscaloosa.org or by calling (205) 758-2238.


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