Cemetery Preservation Group

08/02/2026

Old Live Oak Cemetery (Live Oak Cemetery) – Selma, Alabama

These historic brick walls lining the walkways and surrounding family plots were built nearly 150 years ago. After generations of weather and time, they are now in desperate need of restoration.

There are many thousands of feet of historic brick walls throughout Old Live Oak Cemetery, and Cemetery Preservation Group, Inc. has accepted the challenge of preserving them for future generations.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and a grant from the Alabama Historical Commission, this important restoration work is now underway.

We have been fortunate to find two outstanding brick masons who understand the specialized techniques required to restore historic hand-made brick using traditional lime-based mortar. Every day, even in the Alabama summer heat, they are carefully rebuilding these walls one brick at a time with remarkable skill and craftsmanship.

If you're in the area, stop by and watch these craftsmen at work. Historic masonry is becoming a rare trade, and it's fascinating to see it done correctly. And if you happen to have a couple of bottles of cold water, I'm sure they would appreciate the kindness—and a few words of encouragement never hurt either.

Restoring these historic walls is just one of many projects underway as we work to preserve the beauty, history, and dignity of these sacred grounds. We are deeply grateful to every volunteer, donor, and community partner who has helped make this work possible across all three of Selma's historic cemeteries.

Together, we're preserving Selma's history—one brick at a time.

Several people have asked about how to donate: C.P.G., PO Box 2341, Selma, AL 36702-2341 or go to our website www.CPGLLC.org

06/15/2026

Since starting Cemetery Preservation Group, Inc. in 2019, I have learned a great deal about working with historic marble, granite, and now handmade brick.

In some of these photos, you will see examples of brick spalling caused by previous repairs that used the wrong type of mortar on the cemetery walls. When working with old handmade brick, whether on cemetery walls or historic buildings, it is extremely important to test both the brick and the mortar to determine their strength and compatibility.

The mortar should always be softer and more breathable than the brick itself. If the mortar is too hard or too strong, the brick can begin to crumble and spall, especially during wet weather and freeze-thaw cycles. In a properly repaired brick wall, the mortar is the sacrificial element. It should be the part that eventually fails, while helping preserve the historic brick.

I am also including a few photos showing the work in progress as we continue restoring these brick walls. There are many thousands of feet of walls to repair, and it will probably take us until the end of the year to complete this work in Old Live Oak Cemetery — maybe longer!

Thank you for your continued support as we work to restore and preserve Selma, Alabama's historic cemeteries.

Tax-Deductible donations can be made to C.P.G (Cemetery Preservation Group, Inc) PO Box 2341, Selma, AL 26702-2341 or by clicking in this link: https://www.cpgllc.org/donate

05/24/2026

Cemetery Preservation Group, Inc. is making great progress on the restoration of the interior division and walkway walls within Old Live Oak Cemetery in Selma, Alabama. We hope to have this project completed by December of this year.

These walls have stood for approximately 145 years and were constructed using hand-made bricks, representing a level of craftsmanship that is difficult to find today. We are reusing as many of the original bricks as possible for this project. Over time, much of the original mortar has naturally deteriorated. Our goal is to restore dignity to this historic cemetery by returning it as closely as possible to its original condition while honoring and showing respect to those who rest here.

Old Live Oak Cemetery is one of a limited number of cemeteries listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the mid-1800s, Selma was a thriving center of commerce and transportation in the United States. People from around the world came here seeking opportunity and a new beginning. Cemetery Preservation Group has documented individuals buried here representing at least 12 different nations, and many of their grave markers still bear inscriptions written in their native languages.

The artistic beauty of the hand-carved marble monuments, many crafted in Italy, combined with the majestic Live Oak trees draped in Spanish moss, beautiful blooming azaleas, and the historic hand-crafted brickwork throughout the cemetery creates a truly remarkable place to visit and experience.

Cemetery Preservation Group, Inc. is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and protection of historic cemeteries.

Special thanks to The Alabama Historical Commission for providing grant support for this restoration effort, as well as to all of our loyal donors who continue to make this work possible.

If you would like to support supplies and materials for our many restoration projects, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to:
Cemetery Preservation Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 2341
Selma, AL 36702-2341

Thank you for helping us preserve and protect these important pieces of history for future generations.

If you are not able to share this post from a private group please go to our page to share it:
https://www.facebook.com/cemeterypreservationgroupinc

05/18/2026

05/04/2026

OLD LIVE OAK CEMETERY WALL DAMAGE – THIS MUST STOP

The historic walls of Old Live Oak Cemetery in Selma, AL are being struck by vehicles again and again.

Most of these crashes occur between midnight and 4 AM — when visibility is low and, in some cases, drivers may be impaired or speeding.

This is not just another structure.
This cemetery is listed on the National Historic Register and is one of the most important historic burial grounds in the United States.
It deserves our best efforts to protect and preserve it.
________________________________________
⚠️ THE ISSUE
Dallas Avenue (Hwy 22) is a long straight stretch in both directions…
➡️ that suddenly transitions into a curve beside the cemetery.
At high speeds, many drivers fail to react in time, resulting in repeated damage to:
• Historic stone walls AND Priceless hand-carved grave markers
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🛠️ LOW-COST SOLUTIONS THAT WORK
Cemetery Preservation Group, Inc. has assisted in repairing these walls multiple times.

Here are proven, affordable improvements that can help prevent future damage:

1️⃣ Install reflective “Curve Ahead” signs in both directions
➡️ Include an advisory speed plaque (ex: 25 MPH)
2️⃣ Install reflective Chevron signs through the curve
➡️ Positioned lower for better nighttime visibility
3️⃣ Add reflective markers or flexible delineator posts along the wall
➡️ Drivers at night follow light patterns more than signs
4️⃣ Install rumble strips on both approaches
➡️ Alerts distracted or impaired drivers and slows traffic
5️⃣ Adjust the traffic signal at King St and Dallas Ave 10pm to 4am
➡️ Require vehicles to trigger a green light on Dallas Ave.
6️⃣ Upgrade to brighter street lighting in this area
7️⃣ ENFORCE THE SPEED LIMIT
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🏛️ WHO NEEDS TO ACT
We understand:
• ALDOT maintains the roadway between the curbs
• The City is responsible beyond that
This is a documented roadside hazard adjacent to a state highway with a repeated crash history.
We ask City leaders to work with:
• ALDOT
• Alabama Power (lighting)
• Alabama Historical Commission
…to develop a solution that is both effective and respectful of this historic site.
________________________________________
💡 FUNDING OPTIONS EXIST
• DOT safety funding
• City + State partnerships
• Historic preservation grants
________________________________________
🙏 WE NEED YOUR VOICE
Let’s work together to protect this treasure for future generations.

👉 Please LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE
👉 Tag city officials, ALDOT, and community leaders
________________________________________

04/17/2026

Most people drive by this place and don’t realize what’s happening inside…

Old Live Oak Cemetery, Selma AL—founded in 1829 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places—is quietly losing parts of its historic interior brick walls.

After more than 175 years, the mortar has begun to fail, and sections along the interior walkways and roadways are deteriorating.

Cemetery Preservation Group, Inc. is working hard to restore them. Volunteers have already given countless hours, and now professional brick masons are being brought in to ensure this work is completed in a historically correct manner and the walls are preserved for future generations.

Thanks to a grant from the Alabama Historical Commission and the support of donors like you, great progress is being made—but we’re not finished yet.

If we don’t act, this piece of Selma’s history could be lost.

This isn’t just about bricks and mortar.
It’s about honoring those who came before us.
It’s about protecting Selma’s story.
It’s about doing our part—together.
It’s about caring for this sacred place.

If this matters to you, please consider donating or sharing this post to help spread the word:

For donation information click the link below:
https://www.cpgllc.org/donate

Every share helps more people see what’s at stake.

Cemetery Preservation Group will continue restoration efforts across all three of Selma’s historic cemeteries—so be sure to follow along and check back often for updates on our progress.

03/28/2026

03/28/2026

We want to give a huge thank you to three students who stopped by today to help with the Green Fence Project at New Live Oak Cemetery in preparation for Saturday’s mulching event!

Isaac and Jacob Wait, along with Jace Buster, worked hard to break down pallets and stage all 455 bags of mulch—getting everything ready for a smooth and successful workday. Their help will make a big difference Saturday morning!

🌿 We’d love for you to join us!

Stop by after 9:00 AM Saturday morning and be part of restoring the beauty and dignity of this historic cemetery. Even an hour of your time makes an impact.

Cemetery Preservation Group wants to thank all of the volunteers and donors who help make our cemetery restoration work possible.

visit our website at www.CPGLLC.org

03/27/2026

🌿 We Need Your Help to Finish the Green Fence Project! 🌿

Join Doug Buster and Cemetery Preservation Group, Inc. as we come together to complete the Green Fence Project at New Live Oak Cemetery in Selma, Alabama.
📅 Saturday, March 28th
🕘 9:00 AM
The transformation is nearly complete — the new trees are blooming and the irrigation system is in place. Now we just need a final push to spread 455 bags of mulch and bring this project across the finish line!

It’s going to be a perfect morning to be outdoors — come enjoy the fresh air, give back to the community, and help restore dignity and beauty to this historic cemetery.

👉 We need YOU to help us cross the finish line.
Even if you can only come for an hour, you can make a real difference. This is about more than landscaping—this is about honoring those laid to rest and serving families who come here to remember their loved ones.

Bring your rake, your gloves, and your heart ❤️

Let’s finish this together.

Thank you in advance for your support!

🙏 Please like, share, and invite others — it truly makes a difference.