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Sisters Aim to Restore Historic Brookmere Cemetery in Cleveland
The long-neglected burial ground holds graves of prominent local figures.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:53pm
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Two sisters in Cleveland's Old Brooklyn neighborhood are leading an effort to restore and revitalize the Brookmere Cemetery, a historic burial ground that has fallen into disrepair over the decades. The cemetery contains the graves of several notable figures from Cleveland's past, but it has been largely forgotten by the surrounding community.
Why it matters
Restoring Brookmere Cemetery would not only preserve an important piece of Cleveland's history, but also provide a peaceful green space for the local community to enjoy. The sisters' efforts highlight the importance of maintaining and honoring the city's historic sites, even those that have been neglected over time.
The details
The Brookmere Cemetery is located at the end of Broadview Road in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland. Over the years, the cemetery has fallen into disrepair, with overgrown vegetation, damaged headstones, and a general sense of abandonment. Sisters Samantha and Olivia Wilkins have taken it upon themselves to lead the charge in restoring the cemetery to its former glory, working to clean up the grounds, repair the headstones, and raise awareness about the site's historical significance.
- The Brookmere Cemetery has been in a state of neglect for decades.
- The Wilkins sisters began their restoration efforts in early 2026.
The players
Samantha Wilkins
One of the two sisters leading the effort to restore Brookmere Cemetery.
Olivia Wilkins
The other sister working alongside Samantha to revitalize the historic burial ground.
Brookmere Cemetery
A historic cemetery in Cleveland's Old Brooklyn neighborhood that contains the graves of several prominent local figures.
What they’re saying
“This cemetery is a piece of Cleveland's history that we can't afford to lose. We owe it to the people buried here to restore it to its former glory.”
— Samantha Wilkins, Co-leader of the Brookmere Cemetery restoration effort
“It's been heartbreaking to see this place fall into disrepair over the years. But we're determined to bring it back to life and make it a source of pride for the community once again.”
— Olivia Wilkins, Co-leader of the Brookmere Cemetery restoration effort
What’s next
The Wilkins sisters plan to continue their restoration efforts, including organizing community clean-up days, fundraising for repairs, and working with local historians to uncover more about the cemetery's past.
The takeaway
The Wilkins sisters' efforts to restore the Brookmere Cemetery highlight the importance of preserving local history and providing green spaces for communities to enjoy. Their work serves as an inspiring example of how dedicated individuals can make a difference in revitalizing neglected but historically significant sites.
