Oakland Cemetery News

April 2009 Updated News

Thursday, April 23, 2009 by Hines Vaughan

The Oakland Cemetery Preservation Society:

Retained Ms. Francis Gale, Architectural Conservator of The University of Texas, to produce a Site Assessment Report of Oakland. Ms. Gale has been an architectural conservator for over 25 years with experience in the historic preservation of buildings, monuments, and cemeteries. Ms. Gale’s report documents the existing conditions of the cemetery and then makes and prioritizes recommendations to restore and preserve the cemetery. This study is necessary for us to enlist the aid of other organizations and the government.

Retained Jon Emerson and Associates to prepare an overall cemetery facilities master plan. As a renowned landscape architect, he has done projects like Magnolia Mound in Baton Rouge, Shadows-on-the-Teche in New Iberia, and Greenwood Cemetery in Shreveport. Jon has, in turn, enlisted the support of Suzanne Turner and Associates to provide an historical context for Oakland. This work will ensure that the preservation and restoration efforts are consistent with Oakland’s historical time period.
Is in the process of retaining a nationally known Restoration Conservator to assist the board in identifying and classifying the grave stones and monuments in the cemetery. This information will allow us to ensure that these treasures are restored to their original beauty and content.

Is in the midst of its annual membership drive for The Friends of Oakland Cemetery. Please let us know if you have not received our latest newsletter.

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