Erie Cemetery Association Foundation (ECA Foundation)

The mission of the Erie Cemetery Association Foundation (ECA Foundation) is to serve as a nonprofit partner for the Erie Cemetery Association. Our goal is to preserve, protect and promote in perpetuity the art, culture, history and natural beauty of the Erie Cemetery, Laurel Hill Cemetery and Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery and to educate the public on the historic significance of these cemeteries and their residents. We aim to provide enhancements to the facilities, monuments, and grounds that go beyond the Erie Cemetery Association’s normal responsibilities. The support through Erie Gives is an important source of funds to accomplish these goals.

Founded in 2020, the ECA Foundation has installed a monument to honor the members of the Harry Burleigh and Waters families who had previously been in unmarked graves. Supplies were purchased to clean markers and monuments throughout the Erie Cemetery as well as a tripod to upright monuments that had fallen over.

The most recently completed project was the restoration of the Scott Mausoleum. This mausoleum was built in 1889 for William Scott, a past Mayor, Congressman and railroad magnate and is considered one of the most significant landmarks within the Erie Cemetery. This structure not only holds historical significance but also represents the artistic and architectural legacy of our area and as such, its restoration not only enhances the aesthetic value of the cemetery but also serves to educate future generations about the contributions of the Scott Family. 

Addressing the aging tree canopy, mainly at Erie Cemetery, is an area of concern of the ECA Foundation. In 2024, the Erie Cemetery Association properties were collectively designated a Level 1 Arboretum by ArbNet which hosts the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. This program establishes specific standards of professional practice. The first step after achieving Level 1 status was to conduct a tour of several of the trees in the Erie Cemetery.  Doing an inventory of all 3 cemeteries is a crucial next step in identifying those trees that are at risk and in turn preventing damage to markers and monuments caused by falling trees or tree limbs. Doing the inventory will be a costly endeavor with funds raised through Erie Gives applied towards it and other projects that might arise needing Foundation support.