NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Why are there open tombs in New Orleans’ Lafayette Cemetery No. 2 in Central City?
In the wake of recent vandalism at Lafayette Cemetery No. 2 Save Our Cemeteries (SOC) will conduct repairs on several open tombs at the historic Central City cemetery. SOC has contacted 8 local masons to perform the repair work. A primary focus of Sunday’s repairs will be closing several vaults that were broken into, in the Young Men’s Olympian Jr. Benevolent Association tomb.
“We want to send the message that vandalism is so disrespectful and illegal. We’re the only ones who do preservation of the cemeteries in town, so this is an emergency. We feel it’s our job to close them up,” Amanda Walker, Executive Director of Save our Cemeteries, said.
SOC has received permission from the City of New Orleans and YMO, founded in 1884, to perform the much-needed repairs.
“We are pleased to get this project rolling,” states Walker. “Completing repairs at Lafayette #2 has been on our radar screen for some time now, and is of the utmost urgency because of the amount of vandalism that has occurred recently.”
Ms. Walker continues, “Save Our Cemeteries would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Firemen’s Charitable & Benevolent Association for their significant contribution to this project. We hope to continue our ‘Open Tombs’ project at other cemeteries around the city after the tombs are closed in Lafayette No. 2.”
Historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 2, owned by the city of New Orleans, was founded in 1850. The cemetery is home to many diverse benevolent society tombs dating back to the 19th century. Benevolent societies historically served an important role in the community; very few remain active to this day, creating a need for other organizations and individuals to assist in cemetery upkeep and repairs. Lafayette Cemetery No. 2 is located at 2801 S. Saratoga Street in New Orleans and bounded by Washington Avenue, Sixth and Loyola Streets.
Next up, Save Our Cemeteries will focus on fixing the tombs at the cemetery on Valence St.
Save Our Cemeteries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in New Orleans, LA. Its mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the historic cemeteries of New Orleans through restoration, education, and advocacy.
For individuals or organizations who would like to make a financial contribution to the “Open Tombs” project please contact Save Our Cemeteries at 504-525-3377 or email at SOC@SaveOurCemeteries.org.