Friends Of Decatur Cemetery
The Friends of Decatur Cemetery (FODC), founded in 1993, is a dedicated volunteer group that works closely with the City of Decatur and its citizens to preserve, maintain and improve the cemetery and educate the community about its importance as a historic and cultural resource. Decatur Cemetery is the resting place of many citizens who helped create the communities we know today as Decatur, DeKalb County and the state of Georgia.
Today FODC continues to advocate for the preservation and improvement of the 58 acres of green space that make up the Decatur Cemetery, the oldest municipal burying ground in the area. The group continues to explore better utilization of the space as a treasured environment within an urban setting.
Ongoing Projects
Second Sunday Strolls: Conducted on the second Sunday of every month, May through October. Tours begin at 2:30 pm at the well house/gazebo in the historic Old Section. Suggested donation: $5. To arrange special group tours contact FODC at friendsofdecaturcemetery@gmail.com.
Volunteer Workdays: Join FODC every Tuesday for “Gardening among the Graves," 9 am to noon, to weed and garden in the historic Old Section. Volunteers also meet periodically on other days for general clean-up, pruning, weeding and planting. Participants have included community groups, church groups, civic organizations and local high school classes. Agnes Scott College students and faculty regularly schedule workdays at Decatur Cemetery. Bring your tools! For more information contact Jim Rabb at jimrabb1884@gmail.com.
Veterans Day: Decatur Cemetery contains graves of veterans from every war from the American Revolution in 1776 through the most recent engagements in the Middle East. On the first Saturday in November, volunteers place US flags on the graves of more than 1,000 veterans. On Veterans Day, November 11, at 11 am, a traditional service of remembrance is held in conjunction with the Harold Byrd Post 66 of the American Legion. Contact Amy Weaver at amy@b2creativeinc.com for details.
Shared Memories. Enduring Legends: Recording the stories of Decatur Cemetery . . . because every life is worth remembering. FODC invites you to share information about those you know who are buried in Decatur Cemetery. Use our brief questionnaire to help you get started. Download the file here.
Other Projects and Accomplishments involving FODC
1997 listing of the entire 58-acre Cemetery in the National Register of Historic Places
Wellhouse (gazebo) c. 1881 restored, with subsequent painting and repairs to keep it a centerpiece of the historic Old Section.
2009 - The veterans memorial at the Bell Street entrance was restored with support from the City of Decatur and Harold Byrd Post #66, American Legion in time for the annual Veterans Memorial service.
2012 -The gravesite of Miss Emily Pittman (c. 1852) was restored, with repairs to both the tomb box and the lovely ornate cast iron fence.
2012 - Several members of FODC assisted in hosting the Georgia Municipal Cemetery Conference in Decatur.
2015 - Marked the burial site of Dr. Ormond Morgan (c.1826) the first adult burial in the cemetery.
2017 - Designed and dedicated memorial sundial to Nancie Sill, beloved former Chair of FODC who was the originator of the Cemetery Photo Contests. Many of the prize winning works can be seen in public buildings throughout the City.
2019 - Purchased gravemarker for Henry Oliver (1826-1904) an important African American pioneer in Decatur.
Arranged the use of ground penetrating radar to locate several unmarked graves in the Old Section.
Worked with preservation professionals to ensure the conservation of many of the oldest gravestones in the cemetery.
Worked with the City of Decatur to create a self-guided walking tour brochure for the cemetery. These can be obtained at the Cemetery Office, the Decatur Visitors Center, or downloaded here.
In conjunction with Agnes Scott College’s 125th anniversary, created a walking tour of important sites in the cemetery.
Purchased picnic tables and a swing to place throughout the cemetery for the enjoyment of visitors.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Clean-up and gardening
Tour guides
Research
Historic preservation
Website and social media
Shared Memories, Enduring Legends project
FODC welcomes new members who share a passion for the preservation of such a beautiful, peaceful place. Those interested in joining or volunteering may contact FODC at friendsofdecaturcemetery@gmail.com.
