Memorial Cemetery
One of the Foundation's missions is to protect and preserve our local heritage. Nowhere could this be of more importance than at Missouri's oldest immigrant cemetery, the Ste. Genevieve Memorial Cemetery, where many of Missouri's first pioneers are buried. On this major restoration project, the Foundation's goal has been to clean-up and restore the grounds, repair stone walls, replace and install fencing and improve the landscaping throughout the park. These efforts have also included the systematic cleaning, repairing, stabilizing and documentation of as many gravestones and monuments as funding allows. Currently the Cemetery Committee is completing a reconnaissance
survey of monuments and gravestones within the cemetery and will be working with qualified restoration contractors to perform cleaning and major repairs in the cemetery. In addition, the completion of a Tree Management Program provided by Davey Resource Group with assistance from the Missouri Department of Conservation, will allow the Foundation to start a comprehensive tree management program. This program will help to assure the
continued health of the tree population within the cemetery. With the help of grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Les Amis-St. Louis, the City of Ste. Genevieve, concerned citizen and student volunteers, the Foundation is very proud to present to the public a much improved and informative heritage site that is sure to spur the interest of all who see it. Memorial Cemetery has also been designated as a bird sanctuary.
To bring further recognition to its importance, the Foundation annually hosts their Deja vu Spirit Reunion, featuring a lantern lit, live presentation by local citizenry portraying some of the prominent settlers, and ordinary folks, of early Ste. Genevieve. The date and more information on this fun event can be found by clicking here.
Detailed information on the grave markers, genealogy and other pertinent data will be added to this website in the future.
Restoration and Preservation
Can You Help?
We're currently looking for assistance with projects - talented people, suggestions, letter writing campaigns to our governmental leaders and national organizations, and of course, funds to help keep these national treasures a welcoming site for visitors and families.
If you'd like to help in any way, please click here.
Click the PDF above to view the Davey Resource Group Standard Inventory Analysis and Management Plan for Memorial Cemetery, completed in February 2025.