The Old City Cemetery Committee was created out of concern from local 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.
Since those humble beginnings, the organization has continued its dedication to the restoration, beautification and preservation of this historic burial ground. Our volunteers have donated over a half million hours of preservation, education and beautification efforts to this Sacramento historic treasure. It is because of those efforts that the Old City Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2014), the State Register of Historic Places and to the City's Register of Historic and Cultural Resources (2012).
Through our goals and various outreach programs, the Old City Cemetery Committee works to bring the history of Sacramento to the public. We strive to develop and maintain an inviting environment of beauty and pleasure for all visitors while also providing ongoing interpretative and educational programs that promote public awareness and help raise the funds necessary to support our mission.
Additionally, we work towards the preservation of artifacts, documents, monuments, headstones and grave markers, as well as cemetery features and any systems which support the structural integrity and/or defining historic character of the grounds.
As community leaders, our organization tries to teach that respect and kindness go hand in hand. This means not only practicing respect and kindness towards people, animals and the environment, but also towards places of historical and cultural importance. Our historical cemetery is both those things. Through our community outreach and education, we try to impart to our neighbors - both young and old alike - the importance of respecting, appreciating and preserving our historical and cultural heritage.