Volunteer at Elmwood
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.
Youth tours are scheduled between 9:00 am-2:00 pm during the school week and last approximately two hours. Adult tours are occasionally scheduled for small private groups. 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, email historian@elmwoodcemetery.org.
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 marble ‘flower beds’ were installed in the cemetery by the hundreds many years ago. They’ve remained empty for up to a century, in some cases.
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. Contact Kelly Sowell at historian@elmwoodcemetery.org to learn more about training and volunteer opportunities.
Special Events Volunteer
Elmwood is an active cemetery that offers many 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 the staff of the cemetery needs volunteers for special events the most! Can you help? We'd love to have you. Email historian@elmwoodcemetery.org for information.
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 who will be featured next time?
To find out if roles are available, please email kim@elmwoodcemetery.org.