Preserve Richmond’s history while volunteering alongside community members at cemetery beautification events

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities is set to host multiple cemetery beautification events throughout October and November, where residents can volunteer to learn about the city's history alongside fellow community members.

Volunteers are needed for Oakwood, Riverview, and Maury and Mt. Olivet cemeteries, according to the department's Cemetery Division. The following beautification events will be held from 9 a.m. to noon:

• Oct. 25: Oakwood Cemetery
• Oct. 25: Riverview Cemetery
• Nov. 8: Oakwood Cemetery
• Nov. 15: Maury and Mount Olivet Cemeteries
• Nov. 22: Riverview Cemetery

Volunteers at each workday will reportedly assist with completing string weeding, cleaning grave markers, clearing sidewalks, removing debris and brush and removing non-compliant flower arrangements.

Oakwood Cemetery, located at 3101 Nine Mile Road, spans 199 acres. It is the resting place of more than 17,000 soldiers, and holds the remains of generations of families from across the community. City officials say it is tied to the story of Union Colonel Ulric Dahlgren and Elizabeth Van Lew.

Riverview Cemetery is located at 1401 Randolph St. It was established in 1887, according to the city, and it sits along the James River, spanning nearly 90 acres. It has many community and veterans’ sections.

Riverview's grounds include areas for American Legionnaires, Greek Orthodox and Armenian families, Confederate veterans and a Spanish-American War memorial, while also acknowledging its past segregation until 1968.

Maury and Mount Olivet Cemeteries, established in 1874, together cover 90 acres. They have grave markers dating back to 1847 and sections created for African American families through the naming of Mount Olivet in 1910, according to the city.

Volunteers ages 16 and older are welcome to attend. Children 5 and over can attend with adult supervision.

For more information and to register for an event, visit the department's Facebook post with links to the event pages.