by Lisa Schauer

About a dozen community volunteers interested in helping to preserve and maintain Berkeley Springs’ Greenway Cemetery met at the Ice House on Thursday, March 5 for an organizational session hosted by the cemetery’s operating corporation.

Attendees included members of the town’s historic landmark commission, tree board, genealogical and historical society, visitor center, and town councilmember Elizabeth Skinner, among others.

David O’Connell, a member of Friends of Greenway, gave a presentation on upcoming events, and the need for more volunteers and fundraising campaigns.

A topic of strong interest among the volunteers was headstone repair and restoration.

O’Connell said his goal is to develop and share expertise in grave restoration that private cemeteries can use. 

Other areas where volunteers are needed include records and research, community outreach, fundraising, and events.

A representative from Hope House, the homeless shelter next to 7-11 in Berkeley Springs, said she can bring volunteers to help clean the cemetery once a week.

Someone suggested partnering with the schools to set up field trips tied to teachers’ curriculum standards.

Ideas for potential events were fielded, including a World War I veteran commemoration, a “Light up the Night” luminaire, and something for Black history month.

“Make it Shine” event

On Saturday, April 4 from 9 a.m. until noon, volunteers are needed for “Make it Shine,” an opportunity to help clean up Greenway Cemetery.

Free gloves, bags, and pick-up sticks are available at Bath Town Hall.

Volunteers will meet at the shed in Greenway at 9 a.m.

Councilwoman Skinner encouraged people to bring their kids and grandkids, as the cemetery is a safe place to go outside and pick up sticks.

Rain date for the event is Saturday, April 11.

Headstone restoration workshop

On Wednesday, May 13, three events will be held at Greenway Cemetery, as part of the upcoming West Virginia Historic Preservation Conference to be held in Berkeley Springs.

At 9:30 a.m. an advanced cemetery preservation workshop will be held at Greenway Cemetery.

At 2 p.m., a basic cemetery preservation workshop will be held.

Guided historic cemetery tours will also begin at 2 p.m.

Anyone who needs more information about activities at Greenway Cemetery can call the Bath Town Hall office at 304-258-1102.