Volunteer Workday at Erwin Mills Cemetery

Join us and the Old West Durham Neighborhood Association as we work to revitalize this historic Durham Cemetery! Erwin Mills Cemetery, aka Cedar Mills Cemetery, was established in 1893, the same year as the mill and Trinity College (now Duke East Campus), and is known as one of the first integrated cemeteries in Durham. It began as a cemetery for employees who could not afford burial elsewhere. Later, other people were also buried there. The last major efforts to clean up the cemetery took place in the Spring of 2019.

We will be performing light to medium tasks such as clearing branches, cutting vines, planting flower bulbs, picking up litter, and cleaning up around plots/headstones. Tools, gloves, and water will be provided. Please bring your own reusable water bottles and dress for the weather. There is very little parking near the cemetery, so carpooling is strongly advised!