Oak Woods Cemetery Preservation Society

Oak Woods Cemetery Preservation Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the historic Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois, which is the final resting place of many notable figures, including Mary Todd Lincoln, Oscar De Priest, and Ida B. Wells. The society works to maintain the cemetery's historic integrity and promote its significance through various initiatives and events, often in collaboration with organizations such as the Chicago Park District, Chicago History Museum, and National Park Service. The society's efforts are also supported by local community groups, including the Chicago Hyde Park Community, Kenwood Community, and Woodlawn Community. Additionally, the society has partnered with institutions like the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and DePaul University to advance its mission.

● History

The Oak Woods Cemetery Preservation Society was established in response to the growing concern about the condition and maintenance of Oak Woods Cemetery, which was founded in 1853 and is one of the oldest cemeteries in Chicago, Illinois. The society's founding members, including Chicago Alderman, Historic Preservation Society of Chicago, and Chicago Architecture Foundation, recognized the importance of preserving the cemetery's historic significance and ensuring its continued maintenance. Over the years, the society has worked closely with organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, American Cemetery Association, and International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association to develop strategies for preserving the cemetery. The society has also collaborated with local government agencies, including the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development, Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, and Cook County Government, to secure funding and resources for its preservation efforts.

● Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Oak Woods Cemetery Preservation Society is to preserve and protect Oak Woods Cemetery as a historic and cultural resource, while also promoting its significance and importance to the local community and beyond. The society's objectives include restoring and maintaining the cemetery's historic monuments and landscapes, providing educational programs and tours, and advocating for the preservation of the cemetery's historic integrity. To achieve these objectives, the society works with organizations such as the National Park Service, Library of Congress, and Smithsonian Institution to develop and implement preservation plans and strategies. The society also partners with local schools, including University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Chicago Public Schools, and Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago, to develop educational programs and materials.

● Preservation Efforts

The Oak Woods Cemetery Preservation Society has undertaken various preservation efforts to restore and maintain the historic integrity of Oak Woods Cemetery. These efforts include restoring historic monuments and headstones, repairing and replacing damaged or missing grave markers, and maintaining the cemetery's landscapes and gardens. The society has also worked to document and preserve the cemetery's historic records and archives, including those related to notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Susan B. Anthony. Additionally, the society has collaborated with organizations such as the National Archives and Records Administration, Library of Congress, and Chicago History Museum to develop and implement preservation plans and strategies. The society has also partnered with local businesses, including Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and WGN-TV, to promote its preservation efforts and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the cemetery.

● Notable Figures and Graves

Oak Woods Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures, including Mary Todd Lincoln, Oscar De Priest, and Ida B. Wells. The cemetery is also the site of the Grand Army of the Republic monument, which honors the soldiers who fought in the American Civil War. Other notable figures buried in the cemetery include Richard J. Daley, Harold Washington, and Jesse Jackson. The society has worked to restore and maintain the graves of these notable figures, as well as those of other historic figures, including Jane Addams, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr.. The society has also collaborated with organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, American Civil Liberties Union, and Southern Christian Leadership Conference to promote the cemetery's significance and importance.

● Community Involvement and Events

The Oak Woods Cemetery Preservation Society engages with the local community through various events and initiatives, including guided tours, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities. The society has partnered with local community groups, including the Chicago Hyde Park Community, Kenwood Community, and Woodlawn Community, to develop and implement community outreach and engagement strategies. The society has also collaborated with organizations such as the Chicago Park District, Chicago History Museum, and Field Museum of Natural History to develop and implement educational programs and materials. Additionally, the society has worked with local businesses, including Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and WGN-TV, to promote its events and initiatives and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the cemetery.

● Restoration and Maintenance

The Oak Woods Cemetery Preservation Society is committed to restoring and maintaining the historic integrity of Oak Woods Cemetery. The society's restoration efforts include repairing and replacing damaged or missing grave markers, restoring historic monuments and landscapes, and maintaining the cemetery's gardens and grounds. The society has worked with organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, American Cemetery Association, and International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association to develop and implement restoration plans and strategies. The society has also partnered with local government agencies, including the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development, Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, and Cook County Government, to secure funding and resources for its restoration efforts. Additionally, the society has collaborated with institutions such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and DePaul University to advance its restoration and maintenance efforts. Category:Historic preservation