Foundation

The Old Burying Ground Foundation was formed in 1987 and is a registered non-profit charitable foundation. A secular, community-based organization, the original objective was to raise funds for the restoration of the Old Burying Ground and the Welsford-Parker (Sebastopol) Monument. The last restoration was completed in 1991.

Since 1991, the Foundation has maintained and operated the Old Burying Ground with assistance from Dalhousie University for site security, and the Halifax Regional Municipality for grounds maintenance. The Foundation has promoted the Ground as a peaceful space for reflection and relaxation in downtown Halifax, and a place which can make a significant contribution to historical and genealogical research. From May to October each year local citizens and tourists have toured the Ground assisted by a guide, hired each year by the Foundation under the auspices of the Federal or Provincial Summer Student Employment programs.

The Old Burying Ground Foundation now faces another major fundraising program. The annual operating costs, insurance, repairs and improvements, and the requirement to match Parks Canada grants, have depleted the Foundation’s financial resources.

All Donations are gratefully accepted.

Mission Statement and Mandate

• To protect and preserve the Old Burying Ground (1749 – 1844) as a valuable and unique National Historic Site and registered Provincial and Municipal heritage property.
• To raise the standard of the site to the level of a first class park or green space while still retaining the dignity of its primary role as the burial place for early residents of Halifax.

Main Activities

• Maintenance of the historic gravestones and monuments
• Making site available to visitors
• Capital improvements
• Responding to enquiries

Motto: TO RESTORE, REMEMBER AND REFLECT

Board of Directors

The Old Burying Ground Foundation is administered by a volunteer Board of Directors, two-thirds from the community at large, and one third from St. Paul’s Church. The Board also works closely with advisors representing Federal and Provincial governments and the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Chairman: Bernard G. Smith
Vice-Chairman: Brian J. MacDonald
Secretary: Deborah Trask
Treasurer/Agent, Registry of Joint Stock Companies: Hugh Davison
Past President: Joan Malay

Directors:

Bernard G. Smith
Brian J. MacDonald
Deborah Trask
Hugh Davison
Mike Beck
Craig Ferguson
Adeena Fox
Christopher McCreery

Also we have a non-voting advisor, appointed by the Heritage Division of the provincial Department of Communities, Culture,Tourism & Heritage: Vanessa Smith

Representing St. Paul’s Church:

Chris Bryant
Patricia (Pat) Kempster
Joan Malay

Patron:

The Honourable Arthur J Leblanc ONS, QC, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia

The Old Burying Ground Foundation wishes to honour the contribution of the founding members, and fondly remember:

Donald E. Curren (First Chairman), William Palmer, Allan MacDonald, Ronald Wallace (former Mayor of Halifax), Richard Cregan, Larry Camp and Don Lordly for their many years of commitment and service to the Old Burying Ground Foundation.