The importance of Laurel Hill Cemetery is realized in its connection to countless historically significant events, persons and ideas that have been integral to our local, state and national histories. These histories are illustrated by and interpreted through the cemetery’s irreplaceable archival records. Through the Friends of Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries’ Archives Preservation Project, we aim to ensure the accessibility and encourage the use of these unique resources across all ages and disciplines.

Phases one and two included the completion of a physical inventory; the purchase and installation of new shelving units and flat drawer storage; the rehousing of removed materials into archival boxes; the outlining of future processing and cataloging procedures; and an assessment of materials to be retained or disposed. Phase three, which comprised the processing and cataloging of records; the rehousing of historic maps, plans and architectural drawings; and the development of a comprehensive finding aid, has likewise come to a close. Phase four, which includes the rehousing of all burial records and corresponding files into archival safe folders and envelopes, will remain an ongoing task until all transfers have been made.

We are both proud and excited to report that phase five of our Archives Preservation Project has now also been completed with the digitization of Laurel Hill Cemetery’s interment records.

Records of burials, from our first interments to the present day, are available online for both Laurel Hill Cemetery and West Laurel Hill Cemetery.

The Friends are raising funding to undertake the sixth and final phase of the Project, which will comprise the digital scanning of each unique and invaluable document, plan and image contained in our Archives. While this last step is an intensive and time-consuming endeavor, it will forever ensure the preservation of the invaluable information contained in Laurel Hill Cemetery’s records through the creation of permanent, digital copies.

We now seek the support of our patrons, friends, lot holders, and the countless genealogists and researchers who have utilized our unique historic records over the years. Please help us to realize the completion of this final phase of Archives Preservation through a fully tax-deductible, charitable contribution.

Make Your Donation Online Today!

The Friends gratefully acknowledge Mr. Richard Wood Snowden for his continued commitment to and support of the Archives Preservation Project.