Mel Malone Family Historical Foundation
Preserving the home and legacy of the Clark-Malone Family of Middle Tennessee. The Mel Malone Family Historical Foundation is officially recognized for its work in historic preservation by the Tennessee Historical Commission.
Preserve the Past, Shape the Future
The Mel Malone Historical Foundation, is a Tennessee-based organization recognized for its efforts in preserving significant African American heritage sites, most notably the Cemetery Community and Cemetery School in Rutherford County, Tennessee. The Foundation is officially listed in nonprofit databases (EIN: 843058158, Memphis, TN), and has been involved in historic preservation documented on the Tennessee State Historic Registry.
In the Beginning
founded by Edith Moore, a descendant of historic Cemetery Community residents Sanders and Mel Malone.
The Mission
to restore, preserve, and share the legacy of the Cemetery Community, established by freed slaves and Black Civil War veterans near the Stones River National Battlefield in Rutherford County, TN.
Awards
The Foundation was awarded a $125,000 state grant in 2025 and is officially referenced in Tennessee State government records for it’s historic preservation.
Partnerships & Support
The Foundation collaborates with organizations like Friends of Cemetery School and receives legislative support from Rep. Mike Sparks and Senator Shane Reeves.
The Courier, Winter 2020/2021
Tennessee Historical Commission, “The Mel Malone Family Historical Foundation in Cemetery, for their effort to preserve and restore the Cemetery Community, which includes the original Cemetery Elementary School and Malone Homestead”.
Legislative Support
The Cemetery Community’s legacy is recognized in Tennessee’s cultural heritage initiatives, with legislative and financial support summed up in the state’s 2025 $59.8 billion budget.
