Friends of Norfolk's Historic Cemeteries

Believing Norfolk’s older cemeteries to be valuable historic resources for the City and recognizing the need for their preservation and restoration, the Friends of Norfolk’s Historic Cemeteries establishes itself as a support group to assist the City in defining and preserving the historic, artistic, architectural and landscape integrity of its older cemeteries.


Norfolk’s cemeteries represent the social, political, cultural and military history of our great City. Monuments serve as both the repository of the past and the inspiration for the future. Cemeteries give us the ability to move forward while remembering those who have made our way possible. They also offer endless opportunity for historical, artistic, architectural and genealogical pursuits.

There is a great need for funding to help restore and preserve Norfolk’s cemeteries. The ravages of time, weather and, unfortunately, occasional vandalism topples monuments, collapses tombs and wreaks havoc on the landscape. Repairs are often very expensive and there is no shortage of those that need mending.

The Friends of Norfolk’s Historic Cemeteries (FNHC), a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, was founded in 1996 to assist in the restoration and preservation of Norfolk’s historic cemeteries. Their dedicated members have raised funds to repair broken monuments, damaged statuary, collapsed tombs, and most recently, vandalism of the Core Mausoleum. The Norfolk Bureau of Cemeteries has partnered with the Friends of Norfolk’s Historic Cemeteries to ensure that our cemeteries are preserved for the education and appreciation of future generations. We provide free tours and a calendar of events within our cemeteries to help raise awareness of the history and beauty of these outdoor museums.

If you are interested in joining this effort, consider becoming a member of FNHC. Click here for an application. The Friends also welcome your tax deductible charitable contribution that will go directly to the Norfolk Cemeteries Restoration Fund. If you would like to donate, click here. For more information about the FNHC/Bureau of Cemeteries partnership and events, please contact Bobette Nelson with the Norfolk Bureau of Cemeteries at Bobette.Nelson@norfolk.gov or 757-441-2654. Below are some before and after photos of restoration projects as well as examples of projects waiting for funding. Your support can help us continue this important work.