Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery

Evergreen Cemetery lies at the foot of Mt. Rubidoux in Riverside, California.  The cemetery was founded in 1872 .  There are more than 27,000 local and national personages interred on this site.  Evergreen is the final resting place for more than 1,100 veterans that fought in every American conflict from the Mexican War to the present. 

In the year 2000, Evergreen's fated took a turn when the State Department of Consumer Affairs revise operational policies for cemeteries.  The Cemetery Association was prohibited from using endowment funds from plots purchased after 1932 to maintain plots purchased prior to that date.  No longer supported, the historic section fell into ruin and the esteemed individuals buried there were threatened with oblivion. 

Several members of Riverside's community leadership rallied to revive this place of repose.  This group has redressed a large part of Evergreen's neglect.  A new and energetic hope has infused the community.  And now, we need your help to complete this worth endeavor, so that Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery will remain "Evergreen Forever."

Goal

To raise $3 million for an endowment to transform the neglected landscape of Riverside's oldest cemetery and preserve it as a significant cultural and historic resource for our community

Amount Raised to Date

$1.2 million has been raised

$700,000 has been spent on upgrades to the site

$500,000 has been designated for an endowment for perpetual care of the historic portion

Work Accomplished to Date:

● Incorporation as a California Not-for Profit Corporation

● Land ready to be deeded to Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery

● Attractive wrought iron fence installed

● Headstones repaired

● Curbs & gutters installed

● State of the art irrigation system installed

● Street lights installed

● Monumental gates constructed

● Plaza built

● Donors monument designed

● Planting design completed

● Scattering garden envisioned and plans created

● Endowment established

● Benches designed and created - On May 30, 11AM, at Evergreen there will be dedication for the first bench at the Veterans Circle.  There will be a short ceremony for  4th Air Force, Top 3 who purchased the bench.  Everyone is welcomed to attend.

Work Still to be Done

● Heritage Wall

● Donors' Monument

● Scattering Garden

● Landscaping

● Endowment fully funded