Cemetery Stroll, Tuesday, May 10, 6:30-8:00pm—Join us for an all-new event, an early-evening stroll in the cemetery grounds to visit different sections of the Jacksonville Cemetery and learn more about the history of various fraternal and religious organizations comprising these final resting places. This month, we will visit a number of gravesites located in the oldest parts of the “City Section.” Meet your Docents at the top of the Cemetery Road where plenty of parking is available. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as this is a walking tour. No advance reservations are required and the tour is free, however donations are always appreciated and help support the work of the FOJHC. This new tour series takes place on the second Tuesday of the month through August.

History Saturday, May 14, 10:00am—Please plan to join us for another year of “History Saturday Programs” in the Cemetery. Our May program is called “Coming Home, the return of Jacksonville’s WWI dead after their three-year burial in France.” The program will start at 10:00am and be presented by Bill and Debbie Miller. No advance reservations are required—just meet you docents at the top of the Cemetery Road where parking is available. Wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a little walking required for part of the program. While the program is free, donations are always appreciated and help support the work of the FOJHC. “History Saturday” is presented on the second Saturday of the month through September.

Cemetery Community Clean-up Day, Saturday, May 21, 8:00am-12 noon—Come and join the Friends, the Jacksonville Boosters and other Community volunteers in cleaning-up and preparing the cemetery grounds for the Memorial Day Holiday. Bring gas-operated lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, rakes, brooms and pruning shears along with gloves and eye and ear protection. Freshly-brewed coffee and morning refreshments will be provided. Parking is available within the cemetery grounds. Meet at the top of the Cemetery Road near the Sexton’s Tool House to sign-in and receive instructions.

Annual Memorial Day Meet & Greet, Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30, 11:00am-3:00pm—Volunteers with the Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery will once again be placing flags on the gravesites of all those Veterans who rest in the beautiful grounds of our Pioneer Cemetery. We will then be in the cemetery to meet and greet visitors and provide assistance in locating the gravesites of loved ones. We will also provide information about the cemetery and the role of the Friends. Please stop by and pay your respects to those who served our country on this very important holiday.

Marker Cleaning, Saturday, June 18, 9:00am-12 noon—Just a reminder, there is no marker cleaning in May due to other activities associated with preparing for the Memorial Day Holiday. Marker Cleaning Workshops will resume on Saturday, June 18 and continue on the third Saturday of the month through September 17.

Please visit our website at www.friendsjvillecemetery.org for a complete listing and details of events and activities. Thank you for your continued support of one of Jacksonville’s Historic treasures.