Restoration

1. Gravestone Restoration Projects for 2023

Spanish-American War/ World War I Sections
Repairing downed or broken veterans’ stones is a priority for the FOMH. Funds for the restoration of the Spanish American War section were a gift from Sheila and Bryan Bishop in memory of Sheila’s maternal grandfather, Frank George Keller, and his wife Nellie are buried in the Spanish-American veterans’ plot.

Section L
Section L is the largest of our 2023 projects. This extensive work is funded by a generous donation for historic restoration from Colleen Crowley and Jack Martin of Palm Springs, California.

Range 3/2, 3/3
These areas, located on Greenleaf Avenue, mark the second of a multiyear project to repair all the Jewish sections in Mount Hope. Funds for this restoration are from the FOMH restoration budget and the Ames Amzalak Memorial Trust.

Section U
Section U work is year 2 of a 2-year initiative supported by the FOMH restoration fund.

Section F along Indian Trail
This area is a project of the FOMH restoration fund.

Section C – Slope
This challenging area south of the Old Chapel will be our last project of the season depending on our FOMH resources and the weather.

Cleaning of the Ellwanger/St. John’s Monument
The three iconic monuments in Mount Hope are cleaned on a rotating basis by Ellison Conservation supervised by Peter Ellison. Proper care of these priceless monuments is paid for by FOMH restoration funds.

2. Landscape Projects

The tree committee, directed by Ton Jones, plants and maintains ornamental trees and bushes throughout the cemetery.
Our many landscape volunteers, led by Tom Jones, Chris Petote, David Krotz, Susan Andersen, Pat Corcoran, and Tony Filer, work in collaboration with the City of Rochester to work on projects which are suggested in the City’s Master Plan. Every week during all seasons our teams are hard at work. The FOMH operates the City’s 2nd Saturday Program of volunteers.
Removing invasive species is one of the projects of the Friends. We have been especially effective in removing poison ivy from trees. Susan Andersen chairs this effort.

3. Save a Stone Project

Often members or citizens volunteer to pay to have our experts professionally repair or clean a gravestone. We welcome their enthusiasm and generosity. Communicate with us via Contact us for further information about this opportunity.

4. Maintaining Areas Already Repaired

The FOMH is dedicated to maintaining all areas that have been previously repaired. Funds are set aside for this purpose.