Tours & Events
Please join us to learn more about Eastern Cemetery!
20 Years of Spirits Alive Picnic
Sunday, September 20, at 1pm
RSVP today
Eastern Cemetery has been home to hard work, muddy shoes, stone cleaning, good stories, and a whole lot of people who care in a group called Spirits Alive for the past 20 years. So, naturally, we think that deserves a party! Join us for this anniversary picnic as we celebrate everyone who has helped make Eastern Cemetery the special place it is—volunteers, partners, supporters, friends, and anyone who has recently wandered through the gates and decided this place is pretty special. Whether you've been with us for years or just discovered Eastern Cemetery, you’re part of the story, and we’d love to celebrate with you. Your presence is the best gift, but if you’d like to help with the cost of the picnic or support future preservation work, donations are welcome. Join us to say thank you and celebrate Eastern Cemetery and its continued success.
Constitution Day Ceremony
Thursday, September 17, at 11am
Early Black residents of Portland will be honored at this ceremony.
Local dignitaries will read a list of early black residents interred in Eastern Cemetery, many in unmarked graves. The Honorable Herb Adams will speak about the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Maine and their significance to the Black population in Portland during the post-Revolutionary period. Spirits Alive President Jeff Lyons will offer brief welcoming remarks.
Groundskeeping Days
Saturdays, September 12 & 26, 8:30am to 12pm
Join us for some general clean-up, a bit of shrubbery pruning, and the continued battle of the dreaded invasives (knotweed and bittersweet come to mind). We also plan to stabilize the cardboard we will put down in 3 family plots. This placement will help us prepare for trials of various grass seeds we will plant next spring—and if all goes well, maybe we'll start now!?! Thank you for helping us care for this 6-acre wonder!
- Walking Tours – Spring through Fall
Take a stroll with us through the stones—we'll give you a real-time explanation and answer your questions.
May to October, daily at 4pm! - Stone Conservation & Preservation – Spring through Fall
Learn to beautify the cemetery's historic stones using proper stone conservation and restoration techniques every Saturday, weather permitting.
Join us in 2027. Email us to get on the list. - Clean-Up & Gardening & Landscaping – Spring through Fall
Join us as we tidy the cemetery, removing trash, mulching, pruning, and weeding inside the gates. We provide tools, gloves, training and a good time!
Randomly planned throughout the season. Email us to get on the list. - Walk Among the Shadows – October
The ghosts of people who died in our city rise in the evening to tell the tales of their extraordinary lives.
October 15–18 and 22–25! - Winter Lecture Series – January, February, March
Join us to learn about topics related to the history and customs of cemeteries, Maine, and the United States.
Join us in 2027!