About Us Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a wonderful way to show your support for Elmwood Cemetery. The history of the place, and the stories of those who rest here, tell the story of Memphis—our story.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information on our volunteer opportunities, please contact Cookie Swain at (901) 774-3212 or by email(cookie [at] elmwoodcemetery [dot] org).
Docent/Tour Guide
Docents inspire a love of local history by guiding youth and adult educational tours of Elmwood Cemetery.
Youth tours are scheduled between 9:00 am-2:00 pm during the school week and last approximately two hours.
Adult tours are scheduled during the week by local groups and a public docent tour is offered on select Saturdays.
Public tours start at 10:30 a.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. Tour information and training are provided.
Portable microphones are available for use by tour guides only.
Gardeners
Assist the staff gardener with maintaining Elmwood’s tranquil gardens and the almost 1,500 trees in the Carlisle S. Page Arboretum.
Days and times are flexible. This is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer outdoors in a peaceful setting and at your own pace.
Master Gardeners are welcome andencouraged to inquire about fulfilling their service requirements at Elmwood!
Restoration Crew
Elmwood is known for its amazing collection of monuments that date back to the mid 1800s.
Members of the Restoration Crew assist with the cleaning and restoration of monuments under the guidance of Elmwood staff.
Days and times are flexible. Training is provided.
Costume Tour Actor
Assume the character of someone featured on the popular yearly costume walking tour.
Period costumes and individual written scripts are provided for you to portray your character.
Characters change from year to year.
Indulge the performer in yourself!
Special Events Volunteer
Elmwood is an active cemetery that offers many enjoyable programs and special events.
Several special events are held throughout the year including the Costume Twilight Tour (October), the Arbor Day 5K (April), and the Lunch & Lecture series (Monthly).
Volunteers assist in a variety of capacities, from registering participants to directing guests, to handing out infomrational materials and simply greeting the public.
October is the month during which the staff of the cemetery needs volunteers for special events the most! Are you available for a one night volunteer job? The fall is the time we need you most!
Office Assistant
Office volunteers assist the Elmwood staff, particularly the Elmwood historian, with special projects.
Recent projects have included creating a photographic database of existing headstones, clipping and filing newspaper articles, and other specialed archival projects.
If you would like to volunteer as an Office Assistant, we ask that you have computer experience, especially with the Microsoft Office Suite.