Events
VOLUNTEER OLIVEWOOD
Why Events Matter
Events at Olivewood Cemetery bring together descendants, volunteers, educators, and community members with one purpose: to preserve and celebrate this sacred ground. From hands-on clean-up days to guided tours and cultural gatherings, each event strengthens the connection between Houston’s present and its African American heritage. These moments of shared work and reflection ensure that Olivewood remains a living site of memory.
Volunteer Clean-Up Days
On the first and third Saturday of each month, volunteers gather at Olivewood Cemetery to clear vegetation, clean headstones, and restore pathways. These recurring events provide an opportunity for individuals and groups to directly participate in preservation efforts. Whether attending once or coming every month, each volunteer contributes to reclaiming the cemetery from decades of neglect and ensuring that families and visitors can walk the grounds with dignity.
Community and Cultural Gatherings
In addition to volunteer workdays and tours, Olivewood serves as a place of cultural remembrance. Special events, such as commemorations and educational workshops, offer opportunities to learn, reflect, and celebrate the legacy of Olivewood’s community. These gatherings highlight the ongoing relevance of the cemetery and encourage future generations to remain engaged in its preservation.
Stay Connected
Our events calendar is updated regularly with details on upcoming volunteer days, tours, and community programs. We invite you to check the calendar often and sign up for events that interest you. By attending, you become part of the ongoing story of Olivewood, helping to restore its grounds and honor its history.
Our Database
Explore Our Database
At the heart of Olivewood is the record of more than 4,000 burials. Our searchable database allows families, researchers, and community members to learn more about the men, women, and children interred here. With every name and story preserved, we continue the work of connecting descendants to their history and honoring those who came before us.
GET IN TOUCH
Get Involved Today
Whether you are clearing brush, compiling research, interviewing families, or planning a fundraiser, your contribution directly strengthens the preservation of Olivewood. Volunteers transform the grounds, honor the lives of those interred, and bring Houston’s African American history into focus for the entire community.
To join, please complete the volunteer waiver and review our training video before your first visit. Contact us at info@descendantsofolivewood.org or leave a voicemail at (713) 396-0640 to learn more. We look forward to welcoming you to Olivewood and working alongside you to preserve this sacred place.
