CAMDEN, NJ – Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen and Camden County Commissioner Melinda Kane will be joined by Camden City Council Members, the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs, Camden County and City of Camden Public Works Departments, NJ DEP, Camden County Police Department, Camden Fire Department, Camden Special Services District, PSE&G, CAMCare Health Corporation, Virtua Health System, Amerigroup, Rutgers University-Camden, Uncommon Schools Camden Prep, Temple University, Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, Truist Bank, Wholesome Riches, PowerCorps., Harleigh Cemetery, in addition to Camden based corporations Rondo-Pak, Campbell’s Soup Company, American Water, Subaru, Covanta, NFI Industries, Holtec Security National, & EMR, on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 beginning at 9:00 a.m., for a special cemetery clean-up in advance of the Memorial Day holiday and wreath laying ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery and New Camden Cemetery, located at Mount Ephraim Avenue and Ferry Avenue, Camden, New Jersey, 08104.

Camden’s historic cemeteries date back more than two centuries. The cemeteries are the final resting place to Camden’s founding families, distinguished citizens, historical figures, clergy, public servants including military veterans from numerous U.S. conflicts, and generation upon generation of grandparents, aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and family members.

These burial grounds have suffered from the effects of budgetary restrictions, abandonment, vandalism, and a lack of proper care. Overtime, the grounds fell into poor condition, and now contribute to the blight impacting the surrounding neighborhoods. In addition, mounting maintenance challenges like decaying trees, overgrown vegetation, damaged fencing, toppled headstones, and damaged monuments are in much need of attention.

Over the past two years, Mayor Carstarphen, the City of Camden, and “Team Camden” partners have focused on cleaning, tree trimming, replacing fencing, and working to stabilized these historic places. Their efforts have resulted in a renewed interest in Camden’s cemeteries, attracting hundreds of volunteers and organizations to lend assistance. Significant improvements have been made, but more work lay ahead. The City of Camden is again calling on volunteers to assist with cleaning, tree trimming, fence repair, monument repair, beautification, and restoring pride and respect to these final resting places.

About Camden Strong - Clean Camden Campaign

Mayor Carstarphen kicked-off his Camden Strong initiative in 2021. Camden Strong calls for the implementation of a series of targeted activities aimed at addressing illegal dumping, improving community health, eliminating unsafe structures, bolstering public safety, and responding to nuisance concerns impacting the Camden community.

The Camden Strong-Clean Camden Campaign is now in the third year, and has expanded to fifteen community clean-up events in neighborhoods across Camden. Those interested in volunteering for the Mayor Carstarphen’s Camden Clean Campaign or the cemetery clean-up events can contact the Mayor’s Office at 856-757-7200 or by emailing camdenclean@ci.camden.nj.us

WHAT: Special Memorial Day Cemetery Clean-Up

WHEN: Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. (wreath laying at 9:30 a.m.at Evergreen Cemetery)

WHERE: Evergreen Cemetery and New Camden Cemetery

(Mount Ephraim Avenue and Ferry Avenue, Camden, New Jersey, 08104)