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Old City Cemetery Committee, Inc.
The
Old City Cemetery Committee was organized in 1986 by a
group of concerned citizens who were appalled by the
ravages of vandalism that toppled and maliciously marred
many of the City Cemetery's beautiful old stones and
monuments. Disquieted by the years of obvious neglect
and mistreatment, they decided to become a voice of
concern over the future of this important community
resource.
In
1987, the group became a standing committee of the
Sacramento County Historical Society. In January of
2003, a new independent nonprofit support group was
formed as the Old City Cemetery Committee, Inc. and has
been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as an
IRC 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. The new
organization continues its dedication to the
restoration, beautification and preservation of this
historic burial ground.
With
growing public interest for the cemetery, maintenance
was improved primarily due to the efforts of many
dedicated volunteers, City Staff and Sacramento County
Sheriff's Department and its Work Release Project
Program. The preservation of this historic landmark is
becoming a community concern.
The
Cemetery has been refurbished with plants, flowers, and
bushes and now also includes three major dedicated
garden areas - Historic Gold Rush era roses (Historic
Rose Garden, Bruner and Cadwalder areas); Perennial
Plants (Hamilton
Square Garden); and Native Plants (Native
Plant Demonstration Garden).
The
mission of the Old City Cemetery Committee is:
To
join hands with the community to restore, beautify,
preserve and protect the Historic City Cemetery, while
maintaining access by descendants of the deceased, and
to provide educational services to all visitors to the
Historic City Cemetery of Sacramento.
As the
Old City Cemetery Committee, Inc., sets its
goals and
objectives for the coming years, we are aware of new
community priorities, diminishing budgets and the
increasing need to preserve our historical focus. Within
the last decade, we began a focused effort toward
community education, preservation, restoration and
beautification of the cemetery and its artifacts. As a
recently incorporated foundation, we are building our
vision for the coming decades. We will work with the
City of Sacramento and other entities to accomplish our
goals, including financial assistance if possible.
Following are the goals and objectives of the Old City
Cemetery Committee, Inc.
Goal:
Preserve all artifacts, records, monuments, headstones
and grave markers for the benefit of all visitors and
future generations.
Objectives:
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Continue to create a photographic record of all
headstones, monuments and grave markers.
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Continue to create a damaged grave marker inventory.
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Continue to designate stones for repair and
restoration.
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Continue to upgrade computer technology to preserve
existing records.
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Evaluate wooden grave markers for replacement and
storage.
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Store and inventory stone fragments and pieces for
identification and restoration.
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Complete electronic storage of records for easier
access and preservation of paper records.
Goal:
Promote the restoration of cemetery structures and any
systems which support the structural integrity of the
grounds.
Objectives:
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Promote the restoration of retaining walls on the west
side.
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Promote the repair all vault structures identified as
unsound.
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Promote the repair of all plot enclosures.
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Promote the repair and maintenance of all roads and
pathways.
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Repair existing damage to stones, grave markers and
monuments in accordance with policies and guidelines
adopted by the Board of Directors, Old City Cemetery
Committee, Inc.
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Promote the repair of damage to stones, grave markers
and monuments not assumed by the Old City Cemetery
Committee, Inc..
Goal:
Promote improvements to cemetery grounds to create a
safer, cleaner and more pleasing environment.
Objectives:
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Promote the installation of electrical outlets in
designated areas.
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Promote the installation of a drainage system
throughout the Cemetery
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Promote the installation of permanent restroom
facilities.
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Promote the development of an irrigation program for
the entire cemetery.
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Promote the development of a trash management program
in the cemetery.
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Promote the development of a traffic management and
parking program in the cemetery and on Broadway.
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Promote the development of a Visitor Center to be
located near the Broadway entrance.
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Promote the development of a Museum to house
funeral/cemetery artifacts.
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Promote the development of additional office space and
a research center.
Goal:
Promote the improvement of existing security measures
and the creation of new methods to ensure cemetery
artifacts and grounds will be protected.
Objectives:
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Promote the improvement of general lighting, such as
increased wattage, flood lights on the perimeter and
sensor lights in key locations.
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Evaluate and make recommendations on city policies on
cemetery security.
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Identify/work with existing Neighborhood Watch
programs.
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Promote the posting of appropriate signs around the
cemetery perimeter.
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Promote the maintenance and/or removal of selected
trees and shrubs which may shield unlawful activities.
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Promote the installation of on site video surveillance
devices.
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Evaluate current hours of operation for function and
adequacy.
Goal:
Create an environment of beauty, utility and pleasure
for all visitors.
Objectives:
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Promote the development of a city tree management plan
in the cemetery.
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Monitor and recommend a removal or replacement plan
for trees in the cemetery.
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Work
with the City to develop communication and interaction
with cemetery staff.
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Develop guidelines for what may be planted.
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Develop guidelines for the use of herbicides,
pesticides and rodenticides to ensure chemicals are
carefully used .
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Evaluate the effects of certain trees and other
plantings on gravestones and enclosures which hamper
marker visibility and schedule their removal or
trimming.
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Promote the repair and/or replacement of damaged
decorative iron fences and enclosures.
Goal:
Provide ongoing interpretative, educational programs for
visitor edification and enjoyment.
Objectives:
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Create an intern program with local colleges for
continuing interpretative programs.
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Investigate possible grants for student interns
working on cemetery projects.
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Continue to develop a corps of active, involved
volunteers in cemetery activities.
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Implement a historic marker and plaque program.
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Continue to develop fundraising events
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Continue to publish books, brochures, pamphlets, etc.,
regarding cemetery history and about those interred in
the cemetery.
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Continue the development of the Old City Cemetery
Committee, Inc., website in furtherance of all
Committee goals.
Download a
membership application in PDF.
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