Richmond City officials are making strides toward creating a significant commemorative space and a National Slavery Museum, with plans that could reshape the Chaco Heritage Campus. During a recent Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Standing Committee meeting, it was revealed that the city is collaborating with Baskerville, a design firm, to develop a memorial space honoring the cemetery's history, with an estimated budget of $1.8 million.

Key figures in this initiative include Bert Pinnock, who is working closely with historians and cemetery descendants, particularly Lenora McQueen, to ensure the design reflects the community's heritage. The proposed space aims to serve as a poignant reminder of the past.

In addition to the memorial, the committee discussed the ambitious plans for the National Slavery Museum, a project that has been in the works for over 20 years, led by Delegate McQuinn, Ben Campbell, and Sylvester Turner. The museum's conceptual design has been unveiled, and it is set to occupy the northernmost point of the campus. However, the city has clarified that it cannot fund the museum's construction, which is projected to exceed $100 million. Instead, the foundation behind the museum is tasked with fundraising efforts, while the city ensures that the museum's infrastructure aligns with the campus's overall design, including essential stormwater and floodway management systems.

As these projects progress, they promise to enhance Richmond's cultural landscape, providing a space for reflection and education on significant historical events. The city remains committed to supporting these initiatives, ensuring they are integrated thoughtfully into the community.