This Saturday, May 12, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., during the second annual Clean Up Day at Oak Grove Cemetery, families and friends are invited to help improve and restore the burial plots of their loves ones at the City-owned cemetery located at 1613 Park Avenue.  Parks Services Director Mark Thompson says, “City crews take great care in maintaining the cemetery; however, to keep Oak Grove Cemetery and its thousands of plots in top shape it requires some fine-tuning of the plots and headstones by families.”

Sand and soil will be onsite for use, and City staff will help by providing labor assistance.  Equipment will be available to re-level and plumb the headstones.  There will be tasks available for people with varying abilities.  Also, cleaning materials will be there for those who wish to clean the monuments of their loved ones.  Please bring a snack or beverage; however, drinking water will be available.

During the Clean Up Day, the City also will open the mausoleum for the public to tour and admire the beautiful facility.  The mausoleum was built in 1914 and renovated in 2007 and 2008.

The Oak Grove Cemetery Preservation and Restoration Association, Inc. assists with general cemetery preservation efforts.  Buz Smith with the Association says, “Last year several families came out to Oak Grove Cemetery to help improve and maintain their family’s burial plots.”  Smith adds, “This is a great opportunity for the community to get involved with the preservation of this historic site.  The Association is targeting several historic graves that need attention.  We also have projects including improving the landscape, uprighting fallen monuments, and leveling the ground that would be great for volunteer groups.”

Oak Grove Cemetery, with more than 33,000 sold lots on approximately 100 acres, is full of history and remarkable family stories.  Oak Grove Cemetery was established in 1847 with the purchase of 36 acres by the town's trustees for the price of $3.00 an acre.  Paducah's first burial site was located where City Hall now stands on South 5th Street.  Mary Haley (1795-1811) is the oldest legible headstone found in Oak Grove.  She is believed to have been buried at the City Hall location and reinterred in Oak Grove.

The Oak Grove Cemetery Preservation and Restoration Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, accepts tax-free donations.  Donations can be sent to

Community Foundation of West Kentucky

Attn:  Oak Grove Cemetery Preservation and Restoration Association, Inc.

333 Broadway

P.O. Box 7901

Paducah, Kentucky  42002

For more information about Oak Grove Cemetery including burial records, visit Oak Grove Cemetery.

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