Bookman Cemetery: (Un)Known Project Site

On Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Irmo, SC, in partnership with (Un)Known Project, unveiled and dedicated a new historic site marker at Bookman Cemetery—located at 300 Strawberry Ridge Lane, Irmo, SC. This cemetery is the second known location of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and now serves as a resting place for congregation members and the remains of over 120 enslaved and African American individuals whose graves were relocated there in 2001.

The site marker recognizes the enslaved and African American people buried at Bookman Cemetery and honor their lives and legacy. These graves, along with those of members of the Lorick family who enslaved them, were originally located near I-26 and Broad River Road—at the current site of the Jim Hudson Toyota dealership. When the dealership was constructed, the graves were carefully moved to Bookman Cemetery to preserve their history.

Known names of enslaved and free Black people buried here include Patty (Patsy) Dreher Williams, Jack Williams, Della Williams, and Annie Dawson.

A special guest speaker at the dedication was Hannah Drake, co-founder of (Un)Known Project and a direct descendant of Hannah and Warren Lorick, who were enslaved at the Lorick Plantation. Following the program, attendees had the opportunity to experience (Un)Known Project’s interactive Augmented Reality experience, Footprints Through Time, which illuminates the stories of those who were enslaved and their enduring resilience. The AR experience was produced by Collimation and is accessible through your web browser on site.

We’re grateful to Dr. Constance Lorick, Rosa Garvin, Lawrence Coleman, President of the African American Historical Society of Irmo, Dan Koon, Pastor Scott Holland, Charles Derrick and the congregation of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Michael Burgess and everyone who joined us for the unveiling and dedication.