New York Department of State Announces Second Annual "Caring for Your Cemetery Day"

The New York Department of State today announced the second annual “Caring for Your Cemetery Day” will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Members of the public are encouraged to find cemeteries in their area that are participating in this program and help with cleanup activities as they prepare for the Spring season and Mother’s Day visits. Through this program, the Department and participating cemeteries are not only seeking volunteers, but also hope to generate interest in local cemeteries, especially among younger people, recruit future volunteers or even officers and trustees/directors, identify local people with skills that cemeteries need and raise awareness of the hard work and dedication that goes into cemeteries’ care, maintenance and preservation. Last year, more than two dozen cemeteries participated in the first annual Caring for Your Cemetery Day. This year, over 75 cemeteries will participate.

“New York’s cemeteries are home to so much of our state’s history and culture, and it’s critical that we collectively work to preserve and care for these treasured, but often overlooked, community assets,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “That’s why I’m proud to announce our 2nd annual ‘Caring for Your Cemetery Day’ on April 26th. I encourage all New Yorkers to take this opportunity to volunteer at your local cemetery and help future generations learn to appreciate the history, culture and unique stories our cemeteries have to offer.”

Clean-up day tasks may include:

• Cleaning up small debris and trash
• Removing downed branches, weeds, and overgrowth
• Removing old seasonal decorations
• Planting flowers
• Scattering grass seed
• Other light tasks appropriate for untrained volunteers

The mission of the Department’s Division of Cemeteries is to help ensure that regulated cemeteries do not become a burden on their communities by continuing to operate on a not-for-profit basis. The division regulates approximately 1,700 not-for-profit cemeteries in New York State by, among other things, providing technical assistance in cemetery operations and financial accounting. The division also offers training workshops year-round to educate cemetery operators and other interested individuals on how to maintain cemeteries, keep financial records, and try to ensure long-term viability.

Participating cemeteries can be found below and on our Caring for Your Cemetery web page:

Capital Region

Central New York

Finger Lakes

Hudson Valley

Long Island

Mohawk Valley

New York City

North Country

Southern Tier

Western New York

If you are interested in participating, you may reach out to any of these cemeteries. You may also contact the division at [email protected] or call 518-474-6226 with any questions.