Haven of Rest Cemetery
A Legacy Worth Preserving
Haven of Rest Cemetery is an historic African American cemetery established in the early 1900s. It is located at 7102 West 12th Street near the well-established University Park Neighborhood at 12th and University Streets in Little Rock.
Haven of Rest is the largest African American cemetery in the state of Arkansas (with over 7,500 burials). It became the final resting place of prominent Arkansans such as Civil Rights Pioneer Daisy L. Bates (mentor to the Little Rock Nine), Scipio A. Jones, best known for successfully defending twelve men condemned to death after the Elaine Riots in 1919, and Dr. Joseph A. Booker, the first president of Arkansas Baptist College, an historical Black College founded in 1884.
Haven of Rest Cemetery was accepted as a perpetual care cemetery by the Arkansas Cemetery Board in 1955. It is one of only 104 “perpetual care” cemeteries in Arkansas under the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Insurance Department.
Friends of Haven of Rest Cemetery, Inc is a non-profit organization helping to restore this rich treasure of African American history. These web pages show work that has been done by Friends of Haven of Rest Cemetery, Inc., a 501c3 tax exempt organization, composed of community volunteers to cleanup, restore, and preserve Haven of Rest Cemetery.
Get Your Copy of the 2nd Edition
Haven of Rest Cemetery Map!
The 2nd edition of the Haven of Rest Cemetery Map is an invaluable resource for genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in exploring the history and stories of those laid to rest in this historic cemetery.
In addition to updated plot locations and burial records, this new edition also includes additional information on notable individuals buried at Haven of Rest such as Civil War veterans, prominent community leaders, and other noteworthy figures.
Step Into History: African American Stories in Stone II – A Guided Tour at Haven of Rest Cemetery
The event is canceled due to the weather. Check back for a new date.
African American Stories in Stone II: Historic Walking Tour at Haven of Rest Cemetery
Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 10AM
Haven of Rest Cemetery
7102 W 12th St
Little Rock, AR 72204
10 am
Summer in the Cemetery
It’s been a hot summer. Usually, we take off during the summer, but this July we hosted a cleanup. Around 30 people came to clean and beautify Haven of Rest. We had members, family members, and residents. A father and son from the Midwest stopped by and asked about what we were doing. You never know who you meet while giving back.
A special thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Pulaski Heights and Top Garden Solutions for tackling weeds, grass, and invasive species.
Volunteers:
● Performed lawn care services
● Collected trash
● Documented graves for Findagrave.com
● Cleaned headstones and cemetery section signs
We look forward to hosting future events. How can you help us? We’re looking for volunteers to assist with:
● Fundraising
● Research
● Community Engagement
● Advocacy
We’ll return to our regular meeting schedule in September. Check out our events page for the meeting dates.
We had an incredible turnout and fantastic fellowship at this year's banquet! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening a resounding success. See photos from the event below.
Preserving History: Cemetery Preservation Workshop at Haven of Rest Cemetery
Cemetery Preservation Workshop at Haven of Rest Cemetery
Description: The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program hosted a free workshop on the basics of cemetery conservation, featuring instruction by Jonathan Appell of Atlas Preservation. The workshop
addressed common concerns in preservation and maintenance of cemeteries and offered hands-on training. Attendees participated in cleaning, leveling, and straightening gravestones and making basic repairs.
Outcome: Several headstones were cleaned, and three were reset or repaired, including the large stone for Regina Toombs.
Join us for the monthly meeting of the Friends of Haven of Rest Cemetery.
Monthly on the second Tuesday
Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center
3805 West 12th Street (at Pine)
Little Rock, AR 72204
5:00 pm
We welcome you to join the monthly meeting of the Friends of Haven of Rest Cemetery! We are excited to have you join us as we work towards preserving and honoring this historic cemetery. Haven of Rest Cemetery is a part of our heritage and history.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN!
Our Progress
There is an ongoing need for our participation in preserving the beauty of Haven of Rest Cemetery. Donations to the Friends of Haven of Rest will support the continued restoration and renovation efforts within the cemetery.
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Friends of Haven of Rest Cemetery, Inc. All rights reserved.