About Us
Norfolk Society of Cemetery Conservation (NSCC)
The Norfolk Society of Cemetery Conservation (NSCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, protection, and respectful restoration of historic cemeteries throughout Norfolk, Virginia. We believe that cemeteries are not only sacred resting places but also vital records of our community’s history, culture, and heritage.
Our Mission
To honor the lives and legacies of those who came before us by conserving burial grounds as educational, historical, and cultural resources for current and future generations.
Who We Are
Founded by a diverse group of historians, preservationists, community advocates, and volunteers, NSCC is united by a shared commitment to safeguarding Norfolk’s cemetery landscapes. We work hand-in-hand with families, city agencies, and local partners to maintain and rehabilitate burial sites that are often forgotten, neglected, or at risk.
Our team brings together expertise in historical research, conservation techniques, community organizing, and public education to carry out meaningful, hands-on work across the city.
What We Do
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Conservation & Restoration: We clean and repair headstones, monuments, and cemetery infrastructure using best practices in preservation.
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Research & Documentation: We identify unmarked graves, document inscriptions, and compile historical records to ensure every story is preserved.
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Community Engagement: Through volunteer clean-up days, tours, workshops, and educational events, we invite the community to connect with local history.
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Advocacy: We work to raise awareness about the importance of cemetery conservation and support local policies that protect these sacred spaces.
Why It Matters
Cemeteries are irreplaceable archives of our shared past — telling stories of individuals, families, veterans, community leaders, and forgotten citizens. By restoring and preserving these sites, we help Norfolk honor its diverse heritage and ensure that these spaces are treated with dignity and care.
Join Us
Whether you're passionate about history, skilled in preservation work, or simply want to help care for these spaces, there’s a place for you in the Norfolk Society of Cemetery Conservation. Together, we can restore respect to the resting places of our ancestors and keep their stories alive.