Cemetery Steward Program
Historic cemeteries are an incredible cultural resource and provide a vivid record of community history.
The City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation and Parks & Recreation Department have partnered to create the Cemetery Steward Program, which trains volunteers in hands-on cemetery conservation and documentation in the City’s Historic Eastside Cemeteries. Cemetery Stewards survey cemetery resources, complete conditions assessments, and clean cemetery monuments and markers.
Our Cemetery Steward Volunteer Program allows you to take an active role in the preservation and beautification of the Historic Eastside Cemeteries. Anyone ages 15 and older can apply.
As a volunteer, you will be trained in the following:
Proper documentation
Cleaning techniques
How to navigate our historic cemetery records
You will also assist with litter pick up, gardening, and research efforts.
Sign Up to Volunteer
To begin, you will need to watch a webinar on Video: Best Practices in Cemetery Conservation.
During this video, you will learn about the following:
The Historic Eastside Cemeteries
Headstone cleaning and repair
Common materials
What it means to be a Cemetery Steward
Once you've completed the webinar, you will need to attend a hands-on training.
Upcoming Trainings
Saturday, September 20, 9 - 11 a.m.
Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Registration is required. Please email Parks and Recreation to confirm your attendance.
The Historic Eastside Cemeteries are also referred to as the Historic City Cemeteries and are designated in the National Register of Historic Places as the Old San Antonio City Cemeteries Historic District. The historic district is bound by Crockett Street on the north, Nevada Street on the south, New Braunfels Avenue on the east, and Pine Street on the west. The district is bisected by East Commerce Street.
For location information, take a look at the Historic City Cemeteries Map or visit The Cultural Landscape Foundation's entry for the Eastside Cemeteries.