In December 2001, at the urging of a few determined citizens, then Chairman of City Council’s Quality of Life/Environment Committee, Councilman Michelle Shain, convened a meeting with members of Council and urged the establishment of an interest group for the purpose of raising funds for the preservation of the City’s two cemeteries, Springwood and Richland.

Inspired by that concept, Councilman Chandra Dillard, Chairman of the City’s Quality of Life/Environment Committee, teamed up with Councilman Shain to lead these two projects as Council liaisons.

On January 14, 2002, City Council established two groups as support committees of the City of Greenville — Friends of Springwood Cemetery and Friends of Richland Cemetery.

The purpose of these two organizations is to promote the appreciation and preservation of the cemeteries’ cultural, historic and natural resources. Providing financial aid and volunteer support for the current and future development of the cemetery grounds, exhibits and education programs related to the cemetery shall be the primary mission.

Recognizing the need for improvements and future development, Councilman Michelle Shain approached Clemson Professor Umit Yilmaz during a Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Inter-city visit to Boston, Massachusetts in April 2002. While in Boston, Councilman Shain and several other officials visited the historical Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was during that visit to Mt. Auburn that the idea of a Greenville cemetery master plan was born.

After many discussions, Clemson University was engaged by the City of Greenville to develop, under the direction of Dr. Umit Yilmaz, a cemetery master plan for the City of Greenville as a public service project.

Meanwhile, both Friends groups have been successfully organized, held a number of meetings, and solicited support from over 200 individuals interested in the project and in the future development of the cemeteries.

If you would like to make a donation to the Friends of Richland Cemetery and receive notices of Annual Meetings and special events, please complete a membership form and return it by mail along with your donation.