Stewards of the Western Cemetery provides continuing care for Portland’s historic Western Cemetery to overcome years of neglect and deterioration, and pays honor and respect to prior generations, war veterans, immigrants, and notable citizens through the restoration of their gravestones and burial sites.

We will create welcoming, community space for: quiet conversation with friends; restful picnics on the open, grassy spaces; enjoying nature among the pines and maples; walks with harbor views; outdoor classes in fresh air; studies and research by history enthusiasts; visitations by descendants and those with historic cultural interests.

News and Updates

2024 Year-End Update

A breakthrough year of work in the Western Cemetery

Your fiscal and physical support has made this a breakthrough year for rehabilitating the neighborhood green space that is the historic Western Cemetery

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Bishop Deeley blesses the Catholic ground at Western Cemetery during anniversary ceremony

The Most Reverend Robert Deeley, bishop emeritus of Portland, participated in a rededication ceremony on Sunday, August 11 at Portland’s historic Western Cemetery in honor of the 25th anniversary of the installation of the Great Hunger Memorial. The memorial, originally dedicated by the Ancient Hibernian Order and blessed by Bishop Joseph Gerry on August 15, 1999, marks the final resting place of nearly 1,200 Irish Catholics.

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Lots of volunteer opportunities at the cemetery! Join us!

westerncemetery.me/getting-involved/ ... See MoreSee Less

4 months ago

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Lots of volunteer opportunities at the cemetery! Join us! https://westerncemetery.me/getting-involved/

As we approach mid-summer, we have a lot of good news to report!

As of July 1, our Capital Campaign has raised over $170,000 in cash and pledges.

We have received approval from the city for several projects included in our Capital Campaign – constructing the tool shed and waterline, moving the flagpole, and restoring the historic fence.

We successfully repaired and restored 47 gravestones with the help of Joe Ferrannini, a nationally known conservator, including a rare tabletop gravestone and the gravestone of a Revolutionary War veteran Elijah Kellogg.

We will host a rededication ceremony officiated by Maine's Bishop Emeritus Robert Deeley on August 11, recognizing the 25-year anniversary of the Western Cemetery’s anointing as hallowed ground for the Irish Catholics buried on the premises.

We continue to have workdays on Saturday mornings for volunteers starting at 8:30 and to give tours on Sunday afternoons at 2.

And finally, we have been notified that the city will mow the cemetery in late July! ... See MoreSee Less

4 months ago

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