Projects at Olivewood Cemetery - Past, Current, and Future
There is almost an infinite amount of work to do on a cemetery that needs restoration and preservation. This is but a small listing of what we are currently working on. As time progresses, we look forward to turning this into a list of "completed projects". For information on how to volunteer, visit our Support page.
Protect and Restore
Current Projects
Fencing
One of the first things we must do as stewards of Olivewood Cemetery is to erect a fence to protect the remaining headstones from vandalism. But even this simple item requires several tasks to be completed first.
To erect a fence we must first:
- Complete a full boundary survey and title search
- Identify marked and unmarked gravesites on or outside of the legal cemetery boundary
- Legally define a new boundary that includes all known gravesites
- Find funding for a fence and historically significant entrance
- Perform full archaeological survey at boundary to ensure fence post holes are clear of archaeological remains
Cleanup
The fight against nature is one thing we must always continue doing at Olivewood Cemetery. It wasn't long ago that the Cemetery looked like this:
Now that area looks like this:
Several times a month you can find the Descendants of Olivewood in the cemetery with groups of volunteers - mowing, trimming, and otherwise trying to control a very living cemetery. Visit the events page often to learn of more group events, or contact us to bring your group out to help.
Future Projects
Erosion Remediation
Nature also has a history of vandalizing Olivewood Cemetery, in the guise of erosion and hurricane damage. Drainage to White Oak Bayou has taken away several of our gravesites, and Hurricane Ike toppled several old and stately oaks on top of fragile headstones. We thank the City of Houston for helping us remove some of the greatest Ike damage but there is still a lot of debris that needs to be removed. We also thank our neighbors at Grocer's Supply for helping us with some drainage issues and hope to work with them in the future in continuing to remediate our erosion issues.
Plot and Walkway Beautification
As more and more acreage of the cemetery comes under control with regular maintenance and care, we will be pursuing a program of Plot and Walkway beautification.
Restoration of Headstones
Time, nature and vandalism has taken a toll on the historic headstones of Olivewood. Their restoration is of primary importance to us. While we improve the grounds, we will be working to raise the funds necessary to professionally restore these artifacts of Houston's history.
Archaeology and Anthropology
Current Projects
Boundary Archaeological Survey
In order to ensure that the security fence does not disrupt any existing and unmarked graves, archaeologists will be working with the fencing company to monitor each post hole as it is being dug. Any artifacts found in these holes will be collected, documented and stored. Over the long term, our Master Plan includes the creation of archival and research facilities - small offices and public spaces where we can store and display these artifacts.
Future Projects
Complete Archaeological Survey
More details coming soon...
Analysis of Cultural Significance
More details coming soon...
Master Plan Design
Current Projects
Our Vision
The vision for our master plan can be seen below. These images reflect our current working knowledge of the legal boundaries of the cemetery, and a sort of wish list of improvements we hope to one day be able to make to the cemetery and surrounding grounds.
Aerial View of Master Plan
Perspective from Court St.
Perspective from Wichmann St.
Partnering with the City and County
More details coming soon...
Future Projects
Office, Archival, and Research Facilities
More details coming soon...
Donor Recognition
We are in the process of developing a Donor Recognition project so we can formally and permanently acknowledge the gracious contributions of foundations, corporations, families and individuals who have given to the Descendants of Olivewood.
History
Current Projects
Oral History Project
Part of the purpose of establishing an organization dedicated to preserving Olivewood Cemetery was also to preserve the history of those Houstonians interred there. We have begun surveying other descendants, relatives and neighbors of the last members of the community buried in Olivewood. These materials will be made available to the public for historic research.
Future Projects
Creation of Archive
More details coming soon...
