Building Community and Professional Development for cemetery and allied professionals.
Historic and garden cemeteries are more than just places of burial. They are active cultural landscapes that preserve community memory, support education and research, protect historic architecture and horticulture, and provide meaningful public spaces for reflection and engagement.
The ICCFA Historic and Garden Cemeteries Committee brings together cemetery professionals and allied partners who are committed to the thoughtful, sustainable, and innovative stewardship of these important places. Through collaboration, professional development, and the exchange of practical knowledge, the committee works to strengthen both the institutions we serve and the broader field of cemetery preservation.
Mission Statement
The mission of the ICCFA Historic and Garden Cemeteries Committee is to build and sustain a collaborative community of cemetery and allied professionals, foster the exchange of knowledge, and advance best practices for the long-term stewardship of these vital cultural landscapes.
Committee Chair
Anthony “A.J.” Orlikoff
Director of Programming, Historic Congressional Cemetery
Committee Members
- Jensen Allen
Graceland Cemetery - Joshua Gervetz
Cypress Lawn - Annalisa Heppner
City of Providence. North Burial Ground
- Sean O’Regan, CCE
Woodland Cemetery - Sherry Smith
Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum - Matthew Stephens
Mount Auburn Cemetery
What we do
The Historic and Garden Cemeteries Committee brings together professionals from historic, garden, rural, municipal, nonprofit, and other culturally significant cemeteries to connect, collaborate, and share ideas.
The committee works to:
- Share best practices, resources, and lessons learned.
- Foster collaboration across cemetery operations, preservation, horticulture, interpretation, and community engagement.
- Explore emerging trends and innovative approaches.
- Develop educational programs, conference sessions, and peer learning opportunities.
- Promote responsible stewardship that balances preservation, operations, financial sustainability, and public engagement.
- Raise the visibility of historic and garden cemeteries within ICCFA and the deathcare profession.
Whether your cemetery has centuries of history or is just beginning to embrace its heritage, the committee provides a place to exchange ideas, build connections, and learn from peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.
Get Involved
The committee welcomes participation from cemetery executives, operators, preservationists, historians, horticulturists, educators, programmers, fundraisers, volunteers, consultants, vendors, and other professionals whose work supports historic and garden cemeteries.
By joining the mailing list, you will receive information about:
- Upcoming committee meetings and virtual programs.
- ICCFA conference sessions and networking opportunities.
- Professional resources and examples from fellow cemetery organizations.
- Opportunities to contribute ideas, presentations, articles, or case studies.
- Committee initiatives and ways to become more involved.
Join the Community
Stay informed about committee programs, virtual discussions, conference sessions, shared resources, and opportunities to connect with other historic and garden cemetery professionals.
Participation is open to ICCFA members interested in historic and garden cemeteries, cultural-landscape stewardship, preservation, interpretation, horticulture, community engagement, and related areas of cemetery management. Not an ICCFA member? You are still welcome to join us for live (and free!) webinars and reach out to the committee leadership.
