Oak and Laurel Cemetery Preservation, LLC

10/22/2026

So great to visit the Clemson MSHP program this week to catch up with old friends and meet some great current and prospective students.

05/17/2026

We have been so fortunate to work under UWF Department of Anthropology and Archaeology Institute's leadership in Magnolia Cemetery, and to care for the work of a very talented mason.

The University of West Florida has been working to complete the restoration of 100-year-old vernacular, or hand constructed, burial markers at Magnolia Cemetery in Pensacola.

03/31/2026

Monday, April 20, 7 p.m.
EMILY FORD
"Tomb Ownership And Deeds"
In this presentation, (at the East Jeff Regional Library 4747 W Napoleon Ave, Metairie) Emily Ford will give a clear and practical overview of how tomb and cemetery plot ownership works in New Orleans. The talk is designed for anyone who has an original cemetery deed, has lost one, or is trying to reestablish family ownership of a tomb. It will explain how to identify your family tomb and lot number, where to find deed books and cemetery records, and what counts as a valid tomb title. She also breaks down the difference between owning a tomb and simply having the right to be buried there, and explains how family members may qualify as for right of burial even if the title has never been formally updated.

The presentation also walks through how Louisiana law allows cemetery property to pass through wills, affidavits, or court orders, and how different cemeteries apply these rules in practice. Attendees will learn how to contact cemetery authorities, what documents may be needed to prove heirship, and how to officially update the title holder of record. The talk also covers more complicated situations, such as unclear or abandoned ownership, perpetual care requirements, and servitude rights of use, giving families practical guidance for protecting their burial property across generations.

GRSNO Members may Zoom. Join for $40 a year at grsno.org.

03/23/2026

We are so proud to have been a part of this project and to have spent time with the good folks of Apalachicola.

10/30/2025

On Saturday, November 8th, from 1–3pm, the acclaimed Electric Yat Quartet will fill the historic Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery with the timeless sounds of Stravinsky, Reinhardt, Vivaldi, and other more contemporary works!. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to visit one of New Orleans’ most interesting locations!

Tickets are only $35 but quantities are limited! Buy yours now!
https://tinyurl.com/oddfellowsnolaconcert

All proceeds go to support the charitable activities of the New Orleans Odd Fellows - Crescent City Lodge #73.

08/28/2024

If you missed any of the three-part lecture series we did with Friends of the Cabildo, the recordings are now posted and available together.

Join the Friends of the Cabildo and Emily Ford on Tuesday, August 13th as she discusses “Researching Burial Locations in Orleans Parish. This will be one of three lectures Emily will be discussing on the topic of cemeteries. Lecture will begin at 6 pm. via Zoom. Our fall series of lectures are free for FOC members, $10 each to non-members, but non-members can also enjoy the entire fall lecture series for $25.

Register at https://friendsofthecabildo4.ticketing.veevartapp.com/tickets/view/list/20242025-fall-member-lecture-series

08/26/2024

We will be presenting on basic cemetery preservation approaches and methods tomorrow in a *virtual* lecture for Friends of the Cabildo. See you there!

Join the Friends of the Cabildo and Emily Ford on Tuesday, August 27th as she discusses “Basics of Cemetery Repair and Preservation”. This will be part three of three lectures Emily will be discussing on the topic of cemeteries. Lecture will begin at 6 pm. via Zoom. Our fall series of lectures are free for FOC members, $10 each to non-members, but non-members can also enjoy the entire fall lecture series for $60. By registering for the full fall lecture series, you can enjoy previously recorded lectures.

Register at https://friendsofthecabildo4.ticketing.veevartapp.com/tickets/view/list/20242025-fall-member-lecture-series

08/12/2024

We're thrilled to be part of an August lecture series hosted by Friends of the Cabildo. Beginning tomorrow and the subsequent 2 Tuesdays!

Join the Friends of the Cabildo and Emily Ford on Tuesday, August 13th as she discusses “Researching Burial Locations in Orleans Parish. This will be one of three lectures Emily will be discussing on the topic of cemeteries. Lecture will begin at 6 pm. via Zoom. Our fall series of lectures are free for FOC members, $10 each to non-members, but non-members can also enjoy the entire fall lecture series for $25.

Register at https://friendsofthecabildo4.ticketing.veevartapp.com/tickets/view/list/20242025-fall-member-lecture-series

04/28/2023

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/04/21/lgbtq-people-death-care/

The Louisiana LGBTQ+ End of Life Guide, thought to be the first of its kind in the United States, aims to help community members have their wishes carried out.

06/30/2021

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/06/27/us/louisiana-graves-enslaved-people.html?searchResultPosition=1&fbclid=IwAR0qLKTa20q0SJ1k3yWRpCPjt3YsmAZqRmyRpi3xrWGMUrWZYlqCsvgXa1s

The Lost Graves of Louisiana’s Enslaved People