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Forest Hill and Calvary Cemetery

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This is a contributing entry for Forest Hill and Calvary Cemetery and only appears as part of that tour.Learn More.

The chapel at Forrest Hill Cemetery is the final resting place of the founder of the Black Archives of Mid-America, Horace Peterson. Peterson was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and moved with his family to Kansas City, Missouri as a child. Peterson graduated from Central High School in 1964 and attended Arkansas A&M College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in sociology in 1968.


Horace Peterson III is interned at Forest Hill Cemetery in the chapel, east side/right wall.

Rectangle, Font, Signage, Commemorative plaque

This photo of Peterson at work has often been shared by those who remember his passion for preserving and sharing history

Watch, Cabinetry, White, Black

Peterson was fascinated by stories of the African American experience in the Midwest and was devoted to preserving them. An expert in African American history and Missouri folklore, he is best known for establishing the Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City.

His interest in African American culture and reputation as a historian allowed him to collect materials for the archives, which continue to serve the Kansas City community today. Collections include photographs and artifacts from former slaves, the Buffalo Soldiers, and choreographer Alvin Ailey.

In 1992, Peterson was honored by the Missouri governor for outstanding contributions to bridging race relations. His tragic drowning death at Swope Park in 1992 took one of Kansas City's best-known and most productive citizens.