Preservation and Restoration

New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries are home to some of the oldest examples of architecture within the City of New Orleans. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and No. 2 are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places as having national levels of significance in the areas of art and architecture, and both cemeteries are also part of the African American Heritage Trail, instituted by the State of Louisiana in 2008. In 2009, the St. Roch Chapel within St. Roch Cemetery No. 1 was designated a local Historic Landmark by the New Orleans Historic District Landmark Commission because of its architectural and historical significance.

Through donations and tourism revenue New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries is currently involved in a number of large-scale restoration projects including our Abandoned Tomb Initiative and the restoration of large society tombs in St. Louis #2.

By working with members of our restoration team, outside professionals, and preservation organizations we hope to educate families and the general public on best restoration practices regarding our historic tombs and landscapes. We will be periodically updating the Cleaning Guides portion of our website in order to present the most up-to-date information as it becomes available.

If you would like more information about restoring your family's tomb please visit the Restoration and Perpetual Care pages of our website.