Historic Blandford Cemetery Foundation, Inc.

Founded in 1987, the Historic Blandford Cemetery Foundation, Inc., represents the culmination of decades of devotion to the cemetery by Mrs. Charlotte A. Irving.  Long before historic preservation was considered a popular cause, Mrs. Irving realized the importance of the cemetery to the City and  devoted much of her life to the restoration of its monuments and iron work.   Sadly, Charlotte Irving died in December 1992 and now lies buried in the old burial ground she loved so well.  Her funeral procession was the first through the new gates dedicated in her honor.  Her work, however, has not died but has passed on to those she inspired.

The Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the security, restoration, and preservation of the cemetery.  It is supported by foundation grants and private donations, its accomplishments thus far include the placement of the cemetery on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, the ongoing survey of every stone, fence, and structure in the cemetery and the computerization of this date.  The Foundation has also completed the rebuilding of the entrance gateways, the plantings along Crater Road, restoration of much of the iron work, and the hiring of a security patrol to aid in the prevention of any further vandalism to the cemetery.  In November 2006, the Foundation was pleased to annouce the publication of a new book   Blandford Cemetery: Death and Life at Petersburg, Virginia  by John O. Peters.  Click here to order the book directly from the Foundation.

Hurricane Isabel devastated Blandford Cemetery in September 2003. Today the Foundation continues in its effort to raise the funds necessary for repair and restoration from this and other natural disasters, the passage of time, pollution, carelessness and vandalism.

Latest News!  David Via , renowned conservationist of gravestones and monuments is here.  On 7 June 2008 he will conduct a workshop for those interested in learning how to help with this exciting new stage in the restoration and preservation of the cemetery.

We invite you to join us in helping to preserve this national treasure by becoming a Foundation member. Click here for details.