Elmwood Cemetery

Elmwood is the most historic ground in this part of the world. The dramatic Entry Bridge, the Carpenter-Gothic Office Cottage - the entire 80-acre cemetery - are all on the National Register of Historic Places, and Elmwood is also an official Bird Sanctuary and Arboretum.

Historically, 50 Memphis gentlemen committed $500 each to purchase land and establish a new cemetery 2.5 miles from town in 1852. Originally consisting of 40 acres, it was expanded after the Civil War to 80 acres.

In the 1870's the original corporation was dissolved and Elmwood became one of the oldest nonprofits in Tennessee. Since then, Elmwood Cemetery has become the final resting place to over 75,000 inhabitants including mayors, governors, madams, blues singers, suffragists, martyrs, generals, civil rights leaders, holy men and women, outlaws and millionaires.

Elmwood is the final resting place of those who created Memphis history and has emerged today as Memphis' finest and oldest active cemetery. The grounds of Elmwood Cemetery were entered on the National Register of Historic Places on March 20, 2022.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to show your support for Elmwood Cemetery. The history of the place, and the stories of those who rest here, tell the story of Memphis - our story.

• Tour Guide
  • Tour guides inspire a love of local history by guiding youth and adult educational tours of Elmwood Cemetery. Tour guides sign up for the tours they are available to help lead. Tour script and training is provided by Elmwood Staff. If you are interested in learning to lead tours of Elmwood Cemetery.
• Cradle Gardening
  • If you love Elmwood Cemetery and are passionate about gardening, the Cradle Gardening program might be a good fit for you. The oblong-shaped flower beds were installed in the cemetery by the hundreds many years ago. Gardeners can adopt a cradle to plant and maintain. They provide the materials, plants, soil and time. Gardeners must commit to 2 to 4 hours a week keeping their assigned plots planted, watered and weeded. Elmwood provides access to water, garbage bags, mulch and ant killer. Watch for chances to sign up for this program in the early spring and fall.
• Monument Cleaning
  • Learn how to properly clean historic headstones and help to beautify the cemetery. Staff will train you to safely clean monuments. Once you are trained you will be invited back to help clean monuments that need cleaning at Elmwood.
• Special Events Volunteer
  • Elmwood is an active cemetery that offers may enjoyable programs and special events. Several special events are held throughout the year including an Easter Egg Hunt, Cemetery Cinema and the Soul of the City tour in October.
    • Volunteers assist in a variety of capacities, from registering participants to directing guests, to handing out informational materials and simply greeting the public. October is the month during which staff of the cemetery needs volunteers for special events the most!
• Costume Actor
  • Assume the character of someone featured on the popular yearly Soul of the City walking tour. Period costumes and written scripts are provided for you to portray your character. Characters change from year to year. Who knows will be featured next time?