6 Spring Updates from Western Cemetery

Western Cemetery Spring 2025

By Sam Wilson, Treasurer 

The Stewards of the Western Cemetery, Inc., is pleased to report that progress is being made on many fronts at the Western Cemetery.  

1.

First, our capital campaign has passed $225,000, with less than $25,000 to go to reach our goal of $250,000.  John Funk, our trustee heading the campaign, is confident we will reach our goal this year. Donations may be made at www.westerncemetery.me. 

2.

Second, the capital projects to be paid for from the capital campaign are all underway this year, under the direction of Jonathan Monro, also a trustee. We expect to install a new fence along the Western Promenade, including remnants of the original wrought iron fence on the upper portion, and to construct the tool shed and a water pipe near the utility gate.  

3.

Third, the Stewards have joined Visit Portland and expect that partnership will result in more visits to the cemetery by tourists and people interested in Portland’s heritage. In addition, under the leadership of Kip DeSerres, another trustee, we have added more docents to give tours of the cemetery on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. Additional tour times can be arranged by request at tours@westerncemetery.me. 

4.

Fourth, the Stewards and the Parks and Recreation Department hosted a volunteer day for Abbott Laboratory volunteers in May. Cam Scharff of Parks and Recreation helped coordinate and organize the event. Over 20 Abbott employees participated. They helped pull invasive plants and trees, picked up debris, raked leaves to serve as mulch around trees, and even discovered buried headstones in the course of their work. This effort on the part of the employees will enable the Stewards to focus on the restoration of gravestones this year. To volunteer for Saturday morning work sessions, contact Jonathan@westerncemetery.me. 

5.

Fifth, the Stewards continue to unearth the history of people buried in the cemetery and have connected that history with Find a Grave resources on the internet. Over the past year, Kip DeSerres and others have completed research into the lives of these people and identified stories of the lives of Civil War veterans, sea captains, poets, artists, immigrants, and community leaders. Addition of this information will continue to enrich our tours, telling about the lives of 19th century Portland. 

6.

Sixth, the Stewards honored veterans from the Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War, Mexican War, Aroostook War, World War I, and World War II by placing flags identifying their gravestones for Memorial Day. 

Please go to www.westerncemetery.me to keep abreast of developments. 

Sam Wilson is Treasurer for the Stewards of the Western Cemetery, Inc.