East Hill
Restoration of Oakland Cemetery’s East Hill began in early 2020. This section of the cemetery measures 7.5 acres and includes 120 blocks. It is located south of Potter’s Field and the African American Grounds and east of the Women’s Comfort Station and Jewish Flat.
Historic Oakland Foundation will use a combination of in-house preservation staff and skilled contractors to achieve three primary objectives: to repair and stabilize a variety of grave markers, to rebuild and re-grout historic retaining walls, and to repair hazardous and brick walkways. Foundation staff will also install appropriate landscape features and interpretive signage to best inform guests about the unique history of the area.
The total cost to restore the East Hill is $3.4 million. We will divide the project into four 30-block phases spread over approximately four years and begin with the areas that are most visible.
Project Status
Total Cost: $3.4 Million
Restoration Plan & Progress
The Preservation, Restoration, and Operations (PRO) Team’s work in the East Hill section has been incredibly diverse and challenging. Monuments range from small but badly damaged to massive and steeply leaning. Because of the steep topography, this section contains more retaining walls than the western side of Oakland. Several of these walls were risk of toppling, and many already had. Further, several sections of the brick pathways traversing East Hill were in dangerous condition, and some stairs were completely missing.
Invest and Honor
As we launch the East Hill hardscape and landscape restoration, community engagement and support is critical. Financial support from donors like you make it possible to properly honor these pioneering citizens.
DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER BURIED ON EAST HILL?
If so, we want your feedback! Please fill out the form below. If you have specific questions about work we plan to conduct on your family lot, or if you would like a family member’s headstone to be left untouched please contact Historic Oakland Foundation’s Director of Preservation at ashares@oaklandcemetery.com.
Our Progress
An East Hill Restoration Update (February 25, 2020)
Behind the Scenes: East Hill Lot Restoration (September 24, 2020)
Restoration Surprises: The Chosewood Lot on East Hill (November 17, 2020)
Saving Graves is a Family Affair (May 14, 2021)
An Update on our East Hill Project (August 20, 2021)
Oakland’s Brick Walkways get Needed Repairs on East Hill (August 20, 2021)