Get Involved
The cemetery survives because volunteers and descendants care for it.
Descendants, neighbors & friends
The Historic Kessler Cemetery preservation group is a volunteer community of descendants of the settlement families, local residents and history lovers. The group grew from a grassroots movement that began around 2017, when Tim Wiedmaier’s self-printed book Old Kessler Cemetery brought together cousins and descendants who had never met. Since then they have cleared brush, mapped graves, researched family records and raised the funds that brought in professional restorers in 2019.
The group shares workday dates, restoration updates and new historical discoveries on Facebook.
Follow Us on Facebook
Support the preservation effort
The cemetery’s future depends on the continued support of volunteers and community members who care about protecting this piece of local history.
Join a Workday
Volunteers meet regularly to clear brush, maintain the grounds and care for the cemetery. It’s a hands-on way to help and to meet others who love local history. Dates are posted on Facebook.
Join the Community
Follow the group on Facebook for updates on workdays, restoration work, historical discoveries and other news about the cemetery and settlement.
Make a Donation
Donations pay for maintenance, restoration, historical research and educational materials that share the site’s story with visitors and the community.
Every contribution, whether you volunteer, join the group or donate, helps preserve the history of the Kessler Cemetery and its families for future generations.
A special thanks to
Harris Fab · Carter Vincent · the Kessler Cemetery landowner
And to the descendants, parishioners, Boy Scouts, donors and volunteers whose work since 2002 has brought this sacred ground back from the brink.