Olive Branch Cemetery Restoration

Cemetery Restoration

Respectful cleaning and restoration of overgrown and neglected cemeteries for the benefit of future generations.

Records Preservation

Thorough transcription and indexing of information from burial registers and gravestones. Compilation of unique cemetery maps and photo collections.

Education and Outreach

Thoughtful interfaith service opportunities for genealogists, translators, photographers, and youth groups.

Welcome

Olive Branch Cemetery Restoration is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of at-risk, historical cemeteries via site clean-up, records digitization, and enhanced community awareness. Current projects include:

Bayside, Acacia, and Mokom Sholom in Queens, New York
Baron de Hirsch and numerous cemeteries in Staten Island, New York
Cemeteries in Utah
Kremenets in Ternopils, Ukraine

Mission

The efforts of Olive Branch Cemetery Restoration are guided by a "four-fold" purpose, as well as respect for all faiths and nationalities.

Sources

Our database and maps are prepared from original ledgers, interment lists, gravestone images, and volunteer visits.

Press

The efforts of Michael Shane Wamsley and his team have been recognized by The New York Jewish Week and IAJGS.

Latest News

Updates Coming Soon

Watch for new updates to the Bayside, Acacia, and Mokom Sholom collection.

History of OBCR

Learn about OBCR, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik and its founder, Michael Shane Wamsley.