Old City Cemetery Museums & Arboretum was established in 1806 as Lynchburg's first (and only) burial ground. More than 20,000 people rest here on our grounds, and from every walk of life. Though still an active cemetery and place of remembrance, our focus is on the historical preservation of our grounds, history & horticultural education, and community outreach and engagement. The Southern Memorial Association is a 501c3 non profit and manages the history, records, research, and horticultural efforts that take place here. 

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The rose collection began with just 6 struggling roses which had been planted in family plots a century before and had managed to survive the neglect and devastation of the decades preceding the 1980s. Through the vision of Jane White and Rosarian Carl Cato, the rose collection was restored and expanded to represent a history of roses that now features over 200 varieties.