Cypress Lawn Heritage Foundation

Towards the end of the nineteenth century, there was a clamor for removal of the cemeteries in San Francisco because these cemeteries were occupying prime real estate in the rapidly growing city. Cypress Lawn Memorial Park was established in 1892 by a group of civic-minded men led by Hamden Noble in answer to a need for a place where people can bury their loved ones with dignity and respect. Thousands of trees were planted to create a beautiful and serene garden. In time, Cypress Lawn became, and still is, the choice cemetery for the most prominent and powerful families in San Francisco and the State of California.

Beautiful monuments and edifice to memorialize the achievements of these men and women who helped shape the Golden State were built by the leading architects, sculptors, and artists of the early 20th century. Stained glass windows created by the most famous artisans adorn the cemetery's private and public mausoleums. In fact, it has been commented that Cypress Lawn's outdoor and indoor museum has more elegant works of art than some art museums in the country.

Recognizing the significance of these works of art and the importance of the people for whom these works of art were created, the Cypress Lawn Heritage Foundation (CLHF) was incorporated in 2000. The Heritage Foundation (CLHF) primarily aims to provide diverse educational programs to students (K-12 and university), to conservation and preservation professionals, and to the communities in the greater SF Bay Area and Northern California. At the same time, CLHF endeavors to ensure the preservation and restoration of Cypress Lawn's art, architecture and arboretum.

ACTIVITIES OF THE FOUNDATION INCLUDE:

Sponsorship of educational programs, lectures, tours, and seminars pertaining to the history of Cypress Lawn Memorial Park and Arboretum and the achievements and contributions of the historical figures at rest at Cypress Lawn
Preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of historically significant buildings, landmarks and statuary within Cypress Lawn
Conservation of Cypress Lawn's Arboretum, including development and display of plants and conducting programs of horticultural education for the public
Participation in studies with educational organizations or governmental units which are relevant to activities of Cypress Lawn