19th Century Mourning CustomsThe Victorian era brought to America many unusual customs for mourning the deceased. Lynchburg residents – including children - followed national trends of how society paid tribute to its dead. Historian Judi Harvey will detail the wearing of blacks, appropriate jewelry, and the history behind those trends in this special tour. This […]
Horticulturalist and Old City Cemetery volunteer Whittney Chauta leads a hands-on tour of the Pest House’s medicinal herb garden and describes how these important plants saved many soldiers’ lives despite the brutal medical conditions imposed by the Civil War. Special focus is given to Dr. John J. Terrell’s holistic medical innovations and usage of […]
OCC Historian Michael Hudson invites visitors to explore some of the unpleasant secrets of the past belied by the Cemetery’s natural beauty. Themes of grave robbery, abnormal causes of death, and foul play are just a sampling of reasons that the “good old days” weren’t always so idyllic. Fans of true crime and unsettling […]
*** EVENT SOLD OUT *** But don't despair! The Pathway to Pride Dedication Ceremony will be live-streamed on Whitehead Media Ventures' Facebook page. Find it here on Sunday, June 19 @ 3 PM. The free dedication event at the Cemetery will start at 3 p.m. and will be followed by an outdoor ticketed event ($5/person) […]
Are you new to Old City Cemetery? Would you like to know more about its history and how it serves the Lynchburg community? Guide Judi Harvey, a longtime volunteer and staff member at Old City Cemetery, relates stories of some of the fascinating people who are buried at Old City Cemetery. Also, learn a […]
Donuts + Trains = Good, Clean FunVisit the Old City Cemetery Station House and enjoy a donut and special tour by docent Kathy McGlothlin on Saturday, June 4, 9 am -11 am. Hear the story of the WWI “Donut Girl” who volunteered for the Salvation Army to make and distribute donuts to our troops in the warfare trenches […]
Follow African American history specialist Angelica Walker as she leads a tour highlighting Old City Cemetery’s rich African American history and hear the stories of educators, businessmen, suffragettes, and many more who fought for civil rights and equality. This tour is part of the weekend’s Pathway to Pride dedication weekend, so the public is invited […]
Join us for the 15th Annual Candlelight Tours of Old City Cemetery, where Lynchburg history comes to life among the grave stones! Our outstanding cast of characters, made of up real-life "residents" of Old City Cemetery, will guide you by flickering flame from gravestone to gravestone, where you will hear engaging stories from Lynchburg's past. […]
Co-sponsored by the DAR, Wreaths Across America will return to Old City Cemetery this winter. Join us in paying tribute to the more than 2,400 veterans laid to rest here at Old City Cemetery with the placement of fresh wreaths upon each of their graves. There will be a Veterans motorcade kicking off the ceremony, […]
Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. It’s the mission of Wreaths Across America. You can join us by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering or partnering with us on National Wreaths Across America Day on December 16th. Old City Cemetery is home to Veterans from every conflict, from […]
All events are sponsored by the Southern Memorial Association.
Please contact us for more information about the Old City Cemetery or any of these events.
SEASONS IN THE CEMETERY
Peak of Bloom for Antique Roses: Last two weeks of May
Peak of Bloom for Lotus Pond: July and August
Peak of Fall Foliage: Last two weeks of October
Peak of Bird Population: First week of June
Peak of Butterfly Population: August
401 Taylor Street
Lynchburg, VA 24501
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Office: (434) 847-1465
