Friends Of Woodland Cemetery Established Aims To Support Cemetery Finances and Build Awareness

Delhi—Friends of Woodland Cemetery, a nonprofit organization, has been formed by area residents to assist Woodland Cemetery Association in preserving the Delhi’s historic cemetery by raising funds and building greater awareness of the cemetery’s historic, cultural and natural significance

Friends is dedicated to mobilizing resources and generating public support through a variety of ongoing activities to ensure the long-term preservation, maintenance and accessibility of this sacred resting place.

The group, which is currently applying for 501c3 nonprofit status, is separate from the Woodland Cemetery Association, which oversees the operation and maintenance of the 25-acre site that includes five acres of undeveloped land. The association receives no government support and relies solely on lot sales, burial fees and the generosity of the community to remain solvent.

“Woodland is an underappreciated treasure in our community. But like so many local cemeteries, it is under severe financial strain. The incoming revenue simply doesn’t cover the association’s operating expenses, which is why it is critical that Friends came together to help put the cemetery on a sound financial footing,” explained Friends Co-Chair Barbara Kopecek.

Friends will look to raise both money and awareness through a full menu of educational programs, events and activities designed to highlight the cemetery’s unique stories and historic and cultural importance. These events will be held at the cemetery and throughout Delhi and include hosted book readings, films, tours, musical recitals and more.

"Woodland Cemetery is an amazing place that speaks both to Delhi’s rich history and to the families of loved ones who are buried there. Friends came together to help make sure that Woodland’s future is not only financially secure, but to help raise critical awareness of this incredible piece of Delhi’s history," noted Co-Chair Janet Schwengber.

“We, of course, want to encourage anyone, group or business that’s interested in Delhi, its history or the cemetery itself to join us in our work,” Kopecek added.

Friends intends to host a launch party early in 2024 to unveil more plans and engage additional support.

Woodland Cemetery: A Brief History

Woodland Cemetery, which is non-sectarian, traces its roots back more than 200 years to 1813 when General Henry Leavenworth purchased a square rod of land to bury his wife. This plot was located at what is now Court Street and High Street adjacent to the Cherry Hill Estate. Soon after it was opened, others were invited to use the site for their deceased relatives. Between 1830 and 1849 the entire site was deeded to the Delhi Village Trustees. By then, however, village leaders realized a more substantial cemetery was needed for Delhi, which resulted in the purchase of land on Whig Road (now Meredith Street) where the current cemetery sits.

Please visit Woodland Cemetery (woodlandcemeterydelhi.org) to learn more about this historic site.