Glenwood's rich and varied landscape make the cemetery a lovely respite from busy central Houston.
(photo by Paul Hester)
 
Since it was established in 1871, Glenwood Cemetery has been recognized as one of Houston’s special landmarks. Many prominent Texans, from the days of the Republic until the present, are buried here and the names on the elaborately carved marbles and granites remind us of our rich heritage. Within Glenwood’s confines is a priceless collection of Victorian statuary that is available for all to enjoy. Glenwood’s horticultural specimens rival those of many arboretums, and its gently rolling landscape, unique in Houston, provides a place for quiet refuge and peaceful meditation amid inspiring natural beauty.

Recognizing the value of Glenwood to our community, the Glenwood Cemetery Historic Preservation Foundation was formed in 1999 to raise funds for the preservation of historic Glenwood Cemetery beyond the scope of day-to-day maintenance and operation. Glenwood is an active cemetery and revenue is generated by lot sales, burial fees, and miscellaneous service revenues. These revenue sources, however, are not sufficient to pay the total cost of tree and landscape maintenance or repair and restoration of historic monuments. In addition, funds are needed for special projects such as the complex effort currently underway to control erosion. The Foundation was created to raise funds for these critical needs.

We welcome your interest in Glenwood Cemetery and invite you to participate with us in protecting and preserving its historic integrity and natural beauty. Your contributions will ensure that this special treasure will be available for the benefit of future generations.

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  Master Plan
In 2005, the Foundation commissioned SWA Group to prepare a Master Plan to guide Glenwood’s future. The Master Plan will optimize development of remaining land resources while preserving the historic character of the cemetery, and enhancing its historic landscape.

Erosion control
An extensive project is underway to halt serious erosion along a gully in the northern portion of the cemetery. The erosion has claimed valuable land and historic gravesites are threatened. The first phase of the project is nearing completion, and it has succeeded in halting the erosion in the northeast corner of the cemetery. Funds are currently being raised to continue the project along the gully to the western boundary of the property, then south toward Buffalo Bayou, and along part of the Memorial Drive frontage.
 

The Foundation's tree maintenance programs are essential to maintaining Glenwood's natural beauty.
(photo by Paul Hester)
 
Publication of Glenwood's history
To appropriately preserve Glenwood’s history, a book will be published by Texas A&M University Press that will tell the story of Glenwood from its formation in 1871 to the present. Glenwood was established as a private cemetery during the difficult years of Reconstruction following the Civil War. A critical need for additional burial space in Houston had been identified as early as 1860. Glenwood responded to that need and, in addition, to the growing desire of city dwellers to have more contact with landscapes of natural beauty. Like other romantic cemetery parks of the 19th century, Glenwood provided such a setting.

Monument restoration
For many of the historic gravesites at Glenwood, there are no living descendants to take responsibility for maintenance and repair. Over time, Houston’s soil causes monuments, statuary and copings to sink, and those displaced by tree roots must be repaired and stabilized. In order to preserve the beauty and historic integrity of Glenwood, the Foundation provides funds for the restoration of these beautiful reminders of our history.

Tree and landscape maintenance
Glenwood’s tree maintenance programs are of utmost importance in maintaining Glenwood as a place of natural beauty and quiet refuge for the benefit of all Houstonians and visitors. Your contributions to tree programs are used to provide regular feeding, pruning and lightning protection. This not only ensures the health of the trees, but it protects irreplaceable monuments and statuary from damage caused by falling limbs and trees. Individuals, families and organizations may participate through one of the following programs.
  • General Tree Maintenance Fund
    A donation in any amount will help ensure regular care of Glenwood’s beautiful trees.

  • Memorial Tree Programs
    The Memorial Tree Program provides two ways to honor the memory of deceased family members and friends while enhancing and maintaining the natural beauty of Glenwood for the enjoyment of the living.

    • Plant a Tree: For a donation of $500, a new tree will be planted in Glenwood Cemetery. The Glenwood horticultural staff will assist you with site and species selection. A memorial plaque will be placed on the tree for a period of five years.

    • Adopt a Tree: For a donation of $300, you may select an established tree from those within the common areas of the cemetery to be dedicated to the memory of the person you wish to honor. A memorial plaque will be placed on the tree for a period of three years.

  • Landscape Sponsorship
    Landscape sponsorship provides for the maintenance and perpetuation of Glenwood’s historic landscape by sponsoring seasonal plantings within the cemetery. Your sponsorship of a seasonal planting will be used to perpetuate the flowers that keep Glenwood alive with color throughout the year. A donation of $150 will provide a one-year sponsorship. You will receive a Certificate of Sponsorship and an 8x10 color photograph of your seasonal planting. Landscape sponsorships make unique and memorable gifts.

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You may designate your gift to the Foundation for one of the projects or programs listed above, or you may make an unrestricted donation to be applied where the need is greatest. Whatever your choice, you can be assured your gift will help the Foundation achieve its goal of preserving and protecting Glenwood Cemetery.

Your Donation is Tax Deductible
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your gift will be tax deductible to the extent permitted by law, and you will receive a written acknowledgment of your donation from the Foundation. For further information regarding tax deductibility, you should contact your tax advisor.

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  The Foundation is guided by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

F. Carrington Weems, Chairman of the Board and President
Paul G. Bell, Vice Chairman of the Board
Richard A. Ambrus, Vice President and Treasurer
Carl W. Schumacher, Jr., Secretary
Catherine Cage Bruns
William P. Conner
Robert L. Dabney
Susan C. Garwood
William R. Lummis
Francita Koelsch Ulmer
Mary Ann Weems
Nina P. Wickman
Joanne Seale Wilson
Wallace S. Wilson

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  You will soon be able to make an online donation to the Glenwood Cemetery Historic Preservation Foundation from this page.

You may also support the work of the Foundation with contributions of appreciated securities, bequests through wills, life insurance policies, and retirement accounts. Please contact Richard Ambrus, the Foundation’s Vice President and Treasurer for information on these alternatives.

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Glenwood Cemetery | 2525 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007 | 713.864.7886
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