From Hollywood Cemetery and the FaceBook event page:
Join us for an annual tradition that dates back to the 1800s! Pack a picnic basket, bring a blanket or chairs, and relax to sounds of great entertainment in one of Richmond’s most beautiful settings! A hot dog truck and ice cream truck will be on hand. Trolley tours will also be available.
The picnic is free to attend, but we do ask that you RSVP in advance. Please email nshepherd@hollywoodcemetery.org to make reservations.
This Saturday, starting at 8 am is the 5th Annual 5K Run/Walk to Remember.
From Virginia War Memorial website:
Join us as we honor and remember the sacrifice of our United States military both past and present. The 5K race starts and finishes at the Memorial with a special Kids Fun Run. Memorial flags, each with the name of a deceased veteran or KIA, are placed at the finish line, reminding everyone of the purpose of this event. All funds benefit the Virginia War Memorial Foundation’s education programs.
Description in Richmond Family Magazine:
Join hundreds of active servicemen and women in uniform for this walk/run. The course starts and ends at Virginia War Memorial and includes a trek through Hollywood Cemetery and Oregon Hill.
The Virginia War Memorial and Hollywood Cemetery directors are announcing planning has started for a giant new collaborative project, “The Virginia Tunnel of Honor”, that will connect the two institutions.
Design specifications are still in their infancy, but the concept is to expand upon the already planned underground parking garage expansion for the War Memorial and build a pedestrian tunnel from that point that would go underneath Belvidere Street roughly at Holly Street and have a corresponding entrance in Hollywood Cemetery. The tunnel, which would be roughly 60 feet underground at its deeper points, would be very finished and allow wheelchair access. It may include a branch tunnel to the North Bank trail area, if the City approves the concept.
The overall theme of this new collaboration would build upon the underground nature of the project and would be dedicated to “Virginia’s Fallen Secret Warriors” who have fought and died in clandestine conflicts around the world and throughout American history. This will include honoring ‘secret veterans’ previously and newly buried in Hollywood Cemetery.
Because of new, quiet tunneling technology, project organizers have told Oregon Hill residents that they will not be disturbed by this additional new construction, which will take at least three years to finish. Construction is not expected to start for at least another year.
From Hollywood Cemetery and FaceBook event page:
President John Tyler’s birthday memorial takes place on March 29th each year in Presidents Circle. The presidential event celebrates the life of the tenth President of the United States.
This event is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, March 29 at 11 AM
From yesterday:
Before the “North Bank Trail“, this is a photo taken from Hollywood Cemetery, looking up the James River and Kanawha Canal.
According to Hollywood Cemetery officials, there will be rifle fire this Saturday at about 2:30 – 3:00 PM in the Confederate Soldiers Section.
Editor’s note: Maybe that will scare some of the suburban joggers into picking up their pace.
The Times Dispatch has news of three new overlook river viewing areas planned for Hollywood Cemetery.
Excerpt from article:
“It’s going to be a beautiful spot where you can really come and sit and enjoy the spectacular view,” said Kelly Jones Wilbanks, the executive director of Friends of Hollywood Cemetery.
She said construction of the first overlook is scheduled to begin with a groundbreaking Friday, and work should be complete this spring.
The structure will include landscaping and “ample seating,” she said. It’s being designed by Van Yahres Studio of BCWH Architects.
Excerpt:
The ornate tomb of James Monroe in Richmond’s Hollywood Cemetery will undergo a yearlong restoration intended to preserve its iron canopy, known as the “Birdcage,” in the hopes of restoring its original color.
The tomb of America’s fifth president will be taken apart starting this week, according to the state Department of General Services, which announced the $900,000 repair project Tuesday morning. The canopy will be disassembled and removed, while the granite sarcophagus will remain in place.
The work, expected to be completed by next September, is being timed to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Monroe’s election as president in 1817.
VCU Commonwealth Times newspaper has an article on Hollywood Cemetery’s increasing internet presence. Here is a few excerpts:
Hollywood Cemetery launched an online virtual tour in the beginning of August, with plans to incorporate even more content over the next 12 to 18 months. These additions will include increased tour options, content and connections to the cemetery genealogy database.
…
The online tour begins at the front gate and includes eight stops including the Iron Dog, Davis Circle and Mausoleum. Users can go through the online tour at their own pace. The virtual tour highlights the most popular of more than 60,000 cemetery sites, including former U.S. Presidents John Tyler and James Monroe. Each stop on the virtual tour provides pictures and a historical description. Users can also bookmark or favorite certain stops they want to explore more in person.“It allows people all around the country to access the stories and beauty of the Hollywood cemetery from their home computers,” Allen said. “We believe it is important for the world to have access to these incredibly interesting stories even if they are unable to visit in person.