Friends of Fairview is a volunteer run non-profit organization, in New Albany, IN, dedicated to preserving our beloved Fairview Cemetery and to keeping its stories alive.
Friends of Fairview began in 1980 under the leadership of Mayor Robert Real, as the Fairview Beautification Committee. It began as a group of people who dedicated their time and lives to the enhancement of Fairview Cemetery and to making a difference in their city.
The first committee was made up of: Chairman: James Vaughn Co-Chairman: Mattie Loughmiller Secretary: Mary Clipp Treasurer: Herman Hamilton
In 1991, they changed their name to the present Friends of Fairview, Inc. Over the years there have been a few changes but the goal and purpose has remained “to help preserve and enhance Fairview Cemetery”.
In 2013 Friends of Fairview approached the Stories Behind The Stones group to merge together into one group. Stories Behind the Stones began in 2011 as the Living History Committee, which was part of the New Albany bicentennial celebration scheduled for 2013. That first Stories Behind the Stones event in 2011, was the kick-off of a two year lead up to the 200th anniversary event commemorating the 1813 founding of New Albany, IN by Joel, Abner, and Nathaniel Scribner, three brothers originally from New York.
A meeting took place between Friends of Fairview and Stories Behind the Stones on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at the Fairview Cemetery office. After a brief meeting, a merger was agreed upon. Joe Hook, president of Friends of Fairview, and Jim Munford, president of Stories Behind the Stones, shared a handshake as a sign of the transfer from the current board to the new board.
Today, Friends of Fairview continues the work of preserving Fairview Cemetery and its place in the rich and fascinating story of New Albany, IN. And, we have a lot of fun doing it!
Volunteer with Friends of Fairview
We are an open group and welcome new members!
We meet at 6pm on the second Monday of the month. The meeting location varies. Email us for the location of the current meeting.
Friends of Fairview members help in various ways. Such as:
The creation and presentation of our annual Stories Behind the Stones event
Cleaning and maintenance of headstones and monuments
Raising awareness about the importance of preserving Fairview Cemetery and about our current projects
Jim Munford, Friends of Fairview president, presenting the work and vision of Friends of Fairview.