Uncle Sam Wants You!
From history and recreation to nature and special events, Oakwood Cemetery is a hub of activity, making it one of the Capital Region’s most essential cultural assets. The support of people like you ensures Oakwood will be protected and preserved for generations to come. We have many ways for you to become involved and have an impact!
Volunteer
Volunteers play important roles in helping Oakwood. They care for its beautiful grounds, enlighten others about the cemetery’s significance, and share what they love most about Oakwood with others. We’d love to have you work with us.
Whether you have a special skill or interest or just enjoy people or being outside, chances are there’s a volunteer opportunity at Oakwood Cemetery that will appeal to you. Our time commitments are flexible, and there’s no experience necessary - we'll train you so you’ll be an Oakwood Cemetery expert in no time!
Oakwood Cemetery has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available. You can:
Provide administrative support for special projects;
Garden on our grounds;
Preserve monuments through washing, straightening, and care;
Host walking tours of our historic cemetery and Gardner Earl Chapel;
Usher and assist at events;
Aid in genealogical research and archiving;
Conduct general cleanup and beautification projects on the grounds, with opportunities to Adopt-A-Plot;
Promote our events and activities.
Learn More
Please call our office at 518.272.7520 or use the form below to contact us. We’d be glad to have you!
Friends of Oakwood
We encourage you to also join the Friends of Oakwood Cemetery, a dedicated group of volunteers and supporters who assist the Oakwood staff with their day-to-day tasks, run a full slate of organized tours and other events such as the annual Memorial Day tribute, and organize the cemetery’s fundraisers. The members of this all-volunteer organization devote their time and talent, as well as their unselfish spirit of giving. New members are always welcome.
Donate
As a donor to Oakwood, you are sharing in the stewardship of a national historic treasure while supporting our core purpose: to care for those departed, and the families who seek solace and comfort from these sacred grounds. Your financial support is an important part of the tradition that keeps Oakwood Cemetery a peaceful, tranquil place with hundreds of trees, gardens, sculptures, and wildlife that can be enjoyed by all.
Whether your gift is made on an annual basis, includes a matching corporate gift, or is part of your estate planning, be assured that donations made to Oakwood Cemetery will be used according to your wishes. As an IRS tax-exempt not-for-profit, 501(c)(13), your contributions to Oakwood are fully tax-deductible.
+ Gifts in Memory and/or Honor of Loved Ones
Thoughtfulness at a time of loss is a great gift. We are grateful to families who request contributions to Oakwood in memory or in honor of a loved one.
+ Matching Corporate Gifts
Many companies will now match a percentage of your donations. Take the time to make your wishes known to your employer and find out if they will join you in your generosity.
+ Annual Gifts
Choose to make your gift to Oakwood Cemetery on an annual basis, and your generosity will be felt as Oakwood makes its yearly commitment to enhancing the cemetery’s beauty and value for future generations.
+ Estate Plans
You may opt to remember Oakwood in your estate plans. With many customizable options, we welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your legacy wishes.
Your support in any amount and by any means will ensure that this cultural treasure’s historically significant buildings, landmarks and landscape, as well as the stories they tell for New York’s Capital Region, the nation, and the world will be preserved and enhanced for future generations.
Job Opportunities
Oakwood Cemetery does not currently have open positions. Check back often as we hire seasonally.
Oakwood Cemetery directly works with New York State and Rensselaer County Departments of Corrections to provide employment and training opportunities to those seeking employment upon release from incarceration. Oakwood also offers opportunities to those seeking to satisfy community service obligations.