You are correct Chris, this is a most daunting task. One that has eluded the caretakers (Sharp Street Church) of Mt. Auburn Cemetery for over 50 years now. I have a map (and will send you a copy) and I still after 8 or more years cannot find my relatives.
This is the most historic African American cemetery in the State, let alone Baltimore, and it truly deserves to be respected, cared for and treated as such.
The clean-up effort at Mount Auburn is "spotty" at best with no consistant maintenance available. Families who have loved ones buried there are really only interested in clearing those and maybe, on a good day, helping with the clean-up of one or two other burial sites. (Keep in mine there are 34 acres and over 40,000 graves there)
I started a company a short time ago, Preservation Alliance, dedicated to the restoration, preservaton and conservation of these most precious grounds. One of the items that we are addressing is the perpetual care of Mt. Auburn Cemetery. It takes time to address all the issues that currently exist there (drainage, exposed caskets, exposed remains, thick under-brush, trash etc.), but believe me, it will be done!. Volunteer efforts are good and helpful but it will really take professionals to do all of the work that is needed there to restore this very historic cemetery. Since Mt. Auburn is on the historic register, ALL work that is done there must meet approval of the Historic Commission. That is where things currently stand. Unfortunately, the cemetery did not get in the condition it is in overnight and it will take sometime to restore.
Any support that you or others would like to give us,(particulary your search expereinces)in this endeavor is greatly appreciated and can be sent to the link below. Experiences, like the one you shared regarding you cousin's search are very important to our mission.
Please, do not think for one moment that we have forgotten Mount Auburn Cemetery. We have not forgotten, nor will we let Mt. Auburn stay in the condition that it is currently in. The family that I and others have there deserve to rest in the beautiful grounds they chose as their final stop in this life's journey.
Peace...
lumoorman@preservationalliance.net