Save Our Cemeteries Continues "Open Tombs" Project at Valence Street Cemetery

New Orleans, LA, August 11, 2015 (Newswire.com) - In the wake of recent vandalism at yet another New Orleans cemetery, the Valence Street Cemetery, Save Our Cemeteries today announced that it will conduct repairs on 16+ open tombs at the historic uptown cemetery on Saturday, August 15th, starting at 8:30 am. SOC has again contracted with local masons to perform the repair work. Repairs at Valence Street Cemetery are the second phase of SOC’s “Open Tombs” project which started at Lafayette Cemetery No. 2. SOC recently finished repairs at Lafayette Cemetery No. 2, closing and repairing over 22 tombs.

“What has been happening to our historic cemeteries in New Orleans has been shameful.” says Amanda Walker, Director at Save Our Cemeteries. “Breaking into these tombs is disrespectful,” Ms. Walker continues, “SOC is actively addressing the vandalism issues in our cemeteries; it’s our mission to close every open tomb that we can. We hope to continue our ‘Open Tombs’ project at other cemeteries around the city after our job is complete at Valence Street Cemetery.”

"What has been happening to our historic cemeteries in New Orleans has been shameful."

Amanda Walker, Director

For individuals or organizations who would like to make a financial contribution to the “Open Tombs” project contact Save Our Cemeteries at 504-525-3377 or email at [email protected]. Contributions can also be made through their website SaveOurCemeteries.org.

Valence Street Cemetery, located at 2000 Valence Street, between S. Saratoga  and Danneel Streets in uptown New Orleans, was established in 1867. Once known as City Cemetery before the town of Jefferson City was annexed into New Orleans in 1870, the name was later changed to Valence Street Cemetery. GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 29.93060, Longitude: -90.10670.

About Save Our Cemeteries

Save Our Cemeteries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in New Orleans, LA. Its mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the historic cemeteries of New Orleans through restoration, education, and advocacy.