Oregon Cemetery Cleanup Days Recap: Honoring Heritage Through Service
- Stefanie Wich-Herrlein
- May 21
- 2 min read
From April 12 – May 20, communities across Oregon came together for a cause rooted in respect, remembrance, and preservation. In partnership with Oregon Heritage, SOLVE coordinated a series of cleanup events at historic cemeteries statewide, coinciding with National Historic Preservation Month and the approach of Memorial Day. These efforts served as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring the past—not just with words, but through action.
Oregon has over 1,600 documented historic cemeteries, each holding its own piece of the state's story. State law established the seven-member Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. These cemeteries are important assets that document community history, provide memorial space for important cultural practices, and offer a peaceful place for people to visit. SOLVE is proud to join forces with the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries to keep these sites clean.
From the coast to the valley, volunteers gathered to care for burial grounds that tell the story of Oregon’s people and places. They pulled weeds, cleared debris, cleaned headstones, and made these sacred spaces more accessible. These sites, often maintained by volunteers or families, are the resting places of pioneers, veterans, and countless others whose lives helped shape our communities.
Oregon Cemetery Cleanup Days events included:
Lebanon Pioneer Cemetery – Lebanon – April 12
Nehalem American Legion Cemetery – Nehalem – April 22
Bay City Historic Cemetery – Tillamook – April 26
Kesser Israel Historic Cemetery – Portland – April 27 & May 4
Bridal Veil Cemetery – Bridal Veil – May 3
Coos Bay Pioneer Cemetery – Coos Bay – May 10
Antioch Cemetery – White City – May 17
Sandridge Cemetery – Lebanon – May 18
Salem Pioneer Cemetery – Salem – May 20
More than just maintenance, this work is about reconnecting with the stories that live in our landscapes. The dedication shown by volunteers this month helped ensure these places remain accessible, respected, and part of the living history of our state.
