Friends of Shockoe Hill Cemetery

The Friends of Shockoe Hill Cemetery was organized in 2006 to promote and maintain the burying ground that served both Richmond’s elite and commonfolk for much of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Friends group began active stewardship with the support of the John Marshall Foundation and the City of Richmond, and since then has worked to restore damaged grave markers, provide new markers for Civil War veterans, and help maintain and improve the Cemetery grounds.

Public outreach is critical to the Friends’ mission. The group organizes regular spring, summer and fall tours, and hosts an annual St. Patrick’s Day event to honor Irish and other immigrants. Members of the Friends are happy to arrange special tours for interested persons and organizations, or to speak at organization meetings. In 2007 the Friends group helped place a state historic marker at the Cemetery. In fact, the group has worked with many organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Order of the Southern Cross, and Virginia Civil War Trails, to help fulfill its mission.

Besides being the burial place of Chief Justice John Marshall, Shockoe Hill Cemetery is closely tied to the life of Edgar Allan Poe. You will find there the graves of Elmira Shelton, John and Frances Allan, Jane Stanard, and many others who knew and loved him. They are among the many important Virginians who rest here. We invite you to join with us in supporting and caring for this gem of the City!