African-American burial ground topic of documentary; screening set Feb. 15
ERMA — Tim Millaway recently completed a documentary film about Union Bethel Civil War Veterans Cemetery called “Whispers from the Forgotten in Lower Township, New Jersey.”
The film is scheduled for its Garden State debut at 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Cape May branch of the Cape May County Library in the former Franklin Street School.
The event will include a panel discussion with descendants of some of those buried in the cemetery in the spirit of Black History Month.
“This film explores the history of the cemetery, its significance to the local African-American community and the efforts to restore and preserve this important historical site,” said Millaway, a member of the Lower Township Historic Preservation Committee.
The 33-minute documentary focuses on an important African-American burial ground that is home to the graves of 16 war veterans and many others.
The film premiered Jan. 4 on Philadelphia’s Access Channel, PhillyCam, and also will be screened June 24 at a Cherry Hill library.
The cemetery is located off Tabernacle Road in the Erma section of the township.
According to the Black Cemetery Network, the graveyard was founded in 1831 to serve a community of freed African Americans living in a rural wooded area. Most members of the community were farmers, and some had been formerly enslaved.
The earliest burial in the cemetery was in 1834 and the latest in 1947. Over the years, various groups have participated in efforts to restore the cemetery and preserve it.
In 2018, the Lower Township Historic Preservation Commission took over the care of the cemetery and is the caretaker today.
The cemetery is notable for the 16 veterans of the Civil War, 15 of whom served in the U.S. Colored Troops and one in the U.S. Navy.
Millaway said the documentary “unveils the forgotten stories of African-American heroes who fought for freedom and equality,” noting it “delves into the history of the sacred ground, shedding light on the lives of those who were marginalized and silenced.”
Millaway said beneath the weathered headstones lies a rich tapestry of history, often overlooked and forgotten.
“The documentary takes viewers on a journey through time, exploring the lives of African-American soldiers, families and community members who called this cemetery their final resting place,” he said. “Its stories uncover Civil War veterans who fought for the Union, its connection to the Underground Railroad and the challenges faced by African Americans in the 19th century.”
Millaway, 62, who owns a vacation home in Diamond Beach with his wife, Christine, is a film producer dedicated to bringing history to life through Milkyway Films and Designs.
“We specialize in creating high-quality television programs, animated documentaries and feature-length films that explore the rich tapestry of human history,” the Cherry Hill resident said.
He and assistant director Tom Coyle produced the project for the Lower Township Historic Preservation Committee, noting it was a team project but “I was the guy who knew how to make stuff.”
“Better story than I could ever imagine’
Millaway said they were planning to make a simple film documenting the cemetery after meeting caretaker Rudy Von Coln, but a Facebook post drew the attention of four area women who are descendants of people laid to rest there.
“This project began with a simple encounter: a conversation with the caretaker of a neglected cemetery. Hearing his stories ignited a passion to document this forgotten corner of history,” Millaway said. “However, a Facebook post unexpectedly brought forth descendants of those buried within, their voices adding a profound depth and urgency to the narrative.
He interviewed Janis Washington White and Wanda Wise Evelyn of Rio Grande, Emily Dempsey of West Cape May and Shirley R. Wilson of Wildwood.
“They were just fantastic,” Millaway said. “Their personal stories revealed the remarkable impact of these forgotten heroes on their families and communities, underscoring the critical importance of preserving our shared African American history.”
Millaway said he learned that important people in the Underground Railroad, such as Edward Turner, are buried in the cemetery.
“These are things that are not totally documented, because African American lives were not really documented well then,” he said. “It turned about to be quite a stimulating story and ended up being a better story than I could ever imagine.”
Millaway said the project is part of the committee’s message of preservation.
“That’s why we exist, to try to keep those things that are very important from being forgotten,” he said. “Through this film, I aim to illuminate the interconnectedness of our past and inspire a deeper understanding of our collective heritage.”
Others featured in the film, which was shot at the Fishing Creek Schoolhouse, are Pary Tell, chairwoman of the historical committee; Paul Schulte of the Builder’s Club; and Stephen Larsen, a playwright who wrote “Other Side of the Jordan,” a play about the Underground Railroad in Cape May.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Cape May Star and Wave