Ohio County Cemeteries Foundation

Ohio County Cemeteries Foundation Mt. Wood Cemetery is Wheeling, West Virginia's, oldest extant cemetery. The goal of this movement is to return the cemetery to its former glory.

The Ohio County Cemeteries Foundation is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization that was established in June 2023 to raise funds for the restoration and preservation of cemeteries that lack an active association and board of directors. Incorporated in 1848, it is resting place for many of the area's prominent and hardworking citizens. This past year saw a grassroots movement of several local organizati

ons and volunteers from the community come together to partner on various projects. Long the victim of vandalism and the effects of gravity, the gravestones and monuments in this graveyard are fallen over, leaning, or in desperate need of a simple cleaning. Friends of Wheeling, Wheeling National Heritage Area, the Public Policy Foundation of West Virginia, and the Irene Meagel Fund at the Community Foundation for Ohio Valley, contracted a conservator to come to Mt. Wood and conduct a 3-day workshop on how to reset and repair many of the burial markers. Friends of Wheeling held a cemetery tour, bringing to life many of those that are found buried there. And, volunteers from the community, the Ohio Valley Young Preservationists and Belmont College students from the Building Preservation and Restoration program have spent countless hours working there this past Fall, to repair many of the gravestones. The cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the Fall of 2013.

06/18/2026

Monday, June 29 the Ohio County Cemeteries Foundation will kick off our work season by hosting a restoration workshop by Atlas Preservation at Wheeling’s Peninsula Cemetery. It will be conducted by Jonathan Appell founder and CEO of Atlas Preservation, the foremost expert on cemetery restoration. Jon's experience in cemetery work spans over 30 years across the country This event is the only stop Atlas is making in West Virginia during its 48 State Tour.

The workshop is free and open to the public from 9:00 to 3:00. Attendance at the workshop can be used for community service credit.

Since 2023, Ohio County Cemeteries Foundation volunteers have been cleaning and restoring monuments in cemeteries that lack funding for conservation work. Our current focus is Peninsula, Mt. Wood and Stone Church Cemeteries.

About Peninsula Cemetery

In 1851 the City of Wheeling purchased from Daniel Steenrod a 21-acre parcel for $8,260.

This purchase established the new city cemetery. Once known simply as the City Cemetery, it’s also known ss Peninsular Cemetery or the Peninsula Cemetery. Removals from the Hempfield Cemetery were placed in the southwest corner of the cemetery located off Rock Point Road. In 1964 the I-70 Interstate/Tunnel Project cut through the Peninsula Cemetery. Over 2,500 remains were exhumed and re-interred in several area cemeteries.

We hope to see you on the 29th...bring a friend!

Our proposal to Atlas Preservation for a training workshop at Peninsula Cemetery was chosen as their West Virginia desti...
06/11/2026

Our proposal to Atlas Preservation for a training workshop at Peninsula Cemetery was chosen as their West Virginia destination in their 48 State Tour!

Please join us for this kickoff to our summer work days!

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!Following a very productive April 26 spring cleanup in the south section of Peninsula Cemete...
05/26/2026

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!
Following a very productive April 26 spring cleanup in the south section of Peninsula Cemetery, we had two more great days at Stone Church Cemetery, May 9 and Mt. Wood Cemetery, May 17.

We're especially grateful to Penny and Barry McConnell, Carla Tustin, Elaine Strauch, Mike Pajak, Peggy Niebergall, Laura Dawson, Jeanne Finstein, Jay Frey, Audrey Hunt, Scott Werner, Carmel and Lane Sanders, Peggy Lee, Bill Cox. Leslie and Samantha Beiswenger, Bitten Heine, Kirby Pringle, Vincent Nelson, Chelsea Randolph Mary and Steve Shuler for their efforts.

We're also grateful to those of you who've contributed through our Zeffy account to help cover our expenses.

Stay tuned...we'll be posting a schedule of restoration repair days at all three cemeteries soon!

05/03/2026

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Stone Church Cemetery Spring Cleanup
Saturday, May 9, 1:00 to 3:00

It's Historic Preservation month! Please join us at our second cleanup day of this season next Saturday, May 9 from 1:00 to 3:00 at Stone Church Cemetery, 136 Stone Church Road, Elm Grove.

We’ll be removing trash, spent flags, fallen branches and generally tidying up the grounds. This work makes it easier for the City’s lawn crew to mow, and of course improves the cemetery’s appearance.

Volunteers may come and go as their schedules permit. Training is not required and no experience is necessary.
We recommend wearing sunscreen and a hat, protective shoes, and garden gloves. Bring a rake and any of your favorite garden tools. Water will be provided.

We look forward to your participation!

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERSWhen: Saturday, April 25, 1:00 to 3:00Where: South section, Peninsula Cemetery, adjacent to 1012 Rock...
04/22/2026

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

When: Saturday, April 25, 1:00 to 3:00
Where: South section, Peninsula Cemetery, adjacent to 1012 Rock Point Road, accessible through the Clator neighborhood
What: Spring cleanup: clearing brush and overgrowth, fallen tree limbs and trash.
How: Wear sunscreen, a hat, protective shoes, garden gloves; bring a rake and clippers.
Water will be available.
Come and go as your schedule permits.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR PARTICIPATION!

Please consider making a donation to help us purchase supplies and professional restoration help. THANK YOU.

🌟 Join us in Creating Change! 🌟At Ohio County Cemeteries Foundation, Inc., we know that change starts with people like you. Every act of kindness, every dollar, and every moment of your time brings us closer to achieving our mission. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world...

Help us get off to a good start this spring! Please consider a donation to the Foundation:
04/09/2026

Help us get off to a good start this spring!
Please consider a donation to the Foundation:

🌟 Join us in Creating Change! 🌟At Ohio County Cemeteries Foundation, Inc., we know that change starts with people like you. Every act of kindness, every dollar, and every moment of your time brings us closer to achieving our mission. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world...

Spring’s arrival heralds renewal, and we’re gearing up for another productive season of restoration and conservation, an...
04/09/2026

Spring’s arrival heralds renewal, and we’re gearing up for another productive season of restoration and conservation, and you’re invited!

Our clean up days from 1:00 to 3:00 begin on Saturday, April 25 at Peninsula Cemetery and continue at Stone Church Cemetery, Saturday, May 9, and at Mt. Wood Cemetery on Sunday, May 17.

We’ll be removing trash, spent flags, fallen branches and generally tidying up the grounds. This work makes it easier for the City’s lawn crew to mow and of course improves the appearance.

Volunteers may come and go as their schedules permit. Training is not required and no experience is necessary. We recommend wearing sunscreen and a hat, protective shoes, and work gloves. Bring a rake and any of your favorite garden tools. Trash bags and water will be provided. We look forward to seeing you!

Address

Wheeling, WV

Telephone

304-232-3087

Website

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