Since 2006, we have led the effort to protect, preserve and restore Woodlawn Cemetery. 

Our Mission

The Friends of Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira, Inc. is dedicated to preserving the historical integrity and conserving the natural beauty of the cemetery.

The organization was founded in June 2006 when a group of civic-minded citizens met at The Park Church in Elmira to explore efforts to forestall deterioration of this Chemung Valley treasure. Since that first meeting, the Friends has been chartered by the state of New York and is registered with the New York State Attorney General’s Charity Bureau and has received 501(c)3 non-profit status from the United States Internal Revenue Service.  

Woodlawn Cemetery of Elmira is listed on:

  • The National Register of Historic Places

  • The New York State Register of Historic Places

  • The Freedom Trail of the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network

  • The Cultural Landscape Foundation

  • The Southern Tier “Points of Inspiration”

Our efforts have been rewarded with wide support from the Chemung Valley community. Such support has enabled us to accomplish the following:

  • Repair sidewalks

  • Repave roadways and grade lanes

  • Set upright fallen monuments

  • Restoration of the Stephens Memorial building

  • Installation of the first columbarium and its surrounding Heller Gardens

  • Cleaning and restoration of the Walnut St. gate

  • Restoration of stone posts and ironwork on Walnut and Davis Street gate

  • For a more complete list, view our projects page

Board Members

  • Susan Nagle, President

  • Art Ambrose, Vice President

  • Nancy Campbell, Treasurer

  • Ruth Bruning, Secretary

  • Jack Humphries, Ex Officio

  • Gary Brinn

  • Dale Bryant

  • Karen Coletta

  • Marleah Denkenberger

  • Joe Duffy

  • James Hare

  • Cindy Hayden

  • Martha Horton

  • John Liquori

  • Kevin McInerny

  • Ann Mortimer

  • Dick Reidy

  • Lucy Schweizer

  • Sara Shaut

  • Mary (Suzy) Heller Smith

  • John Trimber