About Us

Preserving the Past. Honoring Lives. Cultivating Community.

Friends of Greenwood Cemetery is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and ongoing care of Greenwood Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded by local volunteers, historians, and descendants of those buried here, we are united by a deep respect for the individuals who rest in Greenwood and a commitment to keeping their stories alive.

Our Mission

To protect and preserve Greenwood Cemetery as a sacred, historic, and community-centered space through education, restoration efforts, and public engagement.

Our Vision

We envision a Greenwood Cemetery that is respectfully maintained, historically recognized, and actively used as a space for remembrance, reflection, and learning by future generations.

Who We Are

Greenwood Cemetery is one of Grand Rapids’ oldest burial grounds and holds generations of the city’s history — from Civil War veterans and early settlers to community leaders and everyday citizens. Over time, the cemetery has suffered from neglect, underfunding, and environmental wear. Friends of Greenwood Cemetery was formed to change that.

Our team is made up of volunteers, community advocates, genealogists, and civic leaders who believe that caring for our cemeteries is a vital part of honoring our collective heritage. We work closely with families, local government, historians, and preservation specialists to ensure that Greenwood Cemetery remains a source of pride and remembrance for the Grand Rapids community.

What We Do

  • Preservation & Restoration: We coordinate volunteer clean-up events, headstone repairs, and landscape maintenance projects.

  • Historical Documentation: We research and archive the histories of those interred, ensuring that their legacies are not forgotten.

  • Community Engagement: Through tours, educational programs, and memorial events, we invite the public to connect with Greenwood’s rich history.

  • Advocacy: We advocate for sustained care and investment in Greenwood Cemetery and raise awareness of its historical significance.

Join Us

Whether you're a descendant, a history buff, a local resident, or simply someone who believes in honoring those who came before us, we welcome your involvement. Together, we can ensure Greenwood Cemetery is not only remembered — but revitalized.