Our mission is to benefit the community by supporting restoration projects in the Evergreen Cemetery, in Owego, NY

What we do

  • Raise money to restore and maintain Evergreen Cemetery

  • Write grants to fund restoration projects

  • Clean and repair head stones

  • Create historical signs and maps

  • We give cemetery tours

  • We work closely with the local village cemetery board to make projects happen

  • Meet monthly at the Coburn Library

What we have done

  • Restored the historic Mortuary Chapel’s stained-glass windows with a generous grant from the Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation

  • Through donation and membership funding we replaced the doors on the Chapel and had the interior repainted AND developed a parking lot at the Chapel

  • We received a generous grant from the Wagner Foundation to build the new Summit parking lot

  • We are grateful for the time and effort of Les Wagner for the new Summit walking trail and picnic area

  • Through generous donations, Village funding and our own savings were able to re-pave the main roads

  • Received the Historic Preservation Award!

  • Check out numerous articles about work that has been done over the years

We are looking for volunteers for our upcoming workday

TBD due to rainy weather

This year we are looking to write a grant for much needed headstone restoration. Before we do that, we need to have a complete overview of what headstones need attention.

On May 17th, we will have clip boards and maps of the cemetery. Each volunteer group will be assigned sections to inspect the headstone quality. Any time you have helps!

Vandalized Chapel window--restored window--restored east wall windows.jpg
Damaged chapel doors--damaged landing--new doors and landing.jpg
Restored Pumpelly crypt and newly paved roads Dave Boland Photo.JPG
The SaSaNa Loft monument before and after cleaning with environmentlally sensitive methods.jpg
Old Evergreen map left new map with vignettes and highlights geolocated.jpg
Dale and Tina Utter teaching gravestone restoration class left and the front ranks of the GAR section cleaned and set up.jpg

Upcoming projects and works in progress

  • Complete mapping of the cemetery, which benefits visitors and can support the reopening of burials

  • New road signs

  • Restoration of monuments

  • Garden enhancement and upkeep

  • Through grant funding the Mortuary Chapel will have electricity installed for lighting and fans.

Local resources

You can help!

  • Become a member! We rely on annual membership dues to fund our projects. Membership starts at $10/year

  • Join the Friends for our monthly meeting at Coburn Library the first Monday of every month at 10:15am. Make an impact in your community and have your voice heard

  • Bring us an idea! Be heard, good ideas are always welcome

  • Donate to the Friends, 100% of your donation goes to Evergreen improvement. Target a donation for a specific Evergreen Project

  • Volunteer with the Friends up in the cemetery for workdays and restoration projects

  • Buy the Evergreen Cemetery Companion book!