e About Spirits Alive at the Eastern Cemetery in Portland, Maine

About

Spirits Alive was formed in 2006 when folks decided to organize around their dedication to the preservation and beautification of one of the area's oldest public burial grounds, the Eastern Cemetery in Portland, Maine. It is comprised of a large group of volunteers as well as a all-volunteer board of directors.

Our Mission

Spirits Alive is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of Portland’s historic Eastern Cemetery through a range of activities including promotion and education.

About the Eastern Cemetery

Established in 1668, the Eastern Cemetery is located at 224 Congress Street in Portland, Maine. The oldest historic landscape in the city, the cemetery is home to around 7,000 interred (Romano). The gates are normally open by the city's park rangers from Memorial Day to Labor Day (late morning until late afternoon).

Maps

An 1890 map and survey of the cemetery was done by William A. Goodwin. In 1990, this survey was updated by historian William Jordan. A map was also created.

Download both versions of the cemetery maps (2.9MB PDF file) Note: This link will take you to the City of Portland, Maine's website.

Master Plan

This plan was funded by funds from several grants and passed by the city council in 2012.

Master Plan for Eastern Cemetery, City of Portland, Maine (27MB, 170-page PDF)

Wikipedia

We have updated the entry for Eastern Cemetery. Let us know if anything doesn't look correct.

Flickr (photo archive)

Over 14,000 images have been tagged and organized on our account so far: Spirits Alive on Flickr

Spirits Alive Has a Few Special Projects

Our group is directed by a small board and supported by numerous volunteers and Friends who plan and conduct a series of events every year. These events help us support the ongoing maintenance of and special projects at the cemetery.

Spirits Alive is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Please address written correspondence to:

Spirits Alive
PO Box 18209
Portland, Maine 04112-8209