Lakewood Heritage Foundation

For Give to the Max Day 2022 we are focusing on our Foundation's core purpose and mission 

Since 1871, Lakewood has been a proud part of Minneapolis history and is recognized nationally as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in America.  

The Lakewood Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created to sustain Lakewood Cemetery, supports educational programming and the preservation and restoration of Lakewood’s landscape, art, architecture and public spaces — for the benefit of all.   

The Heritage Foundation works to: Educate the community about the history of Minneapolis — and Lakewood’s part. Lakewood’s history parallels that of Minneapolis, and the cemetery both honors and reflects the individuals, events and cultures that have shaped this community over time. The Lakewood Heritage Foundation helps fund the production of educational materials and special events, tours and programs that educate the public about these important topics.  

Preserve Lakewood’s natural landscape and setting. Lakewood’s 250 acres teem with wildlife and vegetation, cultivated and native, and form a unique urban ecosystem that requires diligent care and tending. The Lakewood Heritage Foundation helps provide resources for the preservation and restoration of Lakewood’s natural resources, including its landscape, trees, gardens and lake. Funding will help ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy this amazing green space in the heart of Minneapolis. 

Restore and preserve historical monuments and buildings. Lakewood is home to an exquisite collection of monument art and a variety of historic structures, from the beautiful statuary to the historic Memorial Chapel. These buildings and sculptures chronicle the story of our beloved city, including its citizens, customs and traditions. Funding provided by the Heritage Foundation will allow the cemetery to be proactive in preserving and restoring these structures over time. 

Today, we honor our roots as an historic cemetery while reimagining our role in modern life. In addition to serving families for the past 150 years, Lakewood is proud to offer many events throughout the year that celebrate the beauty of our grounds, while holding space for remembrance, memorialization, and celebration of life through new and innovative experiences and opportunities. Like our annual Lantern Lighting Celebration....

And our annual Midsummer Memory Mandala event....

And many more! Lakewood is making memorialization and remembrance more relevant, accessible, and inviting for new audiences and generations.