Our Restoration Story

Our Restoration Story. . A Forgotten Cemetery
William Whipps purchased this small country graveyard in 1855 as his family cemetery. Without perpetual care, it fell into neglect, eventually overrun with poison ivy, weeds, and invasive vines. Over time, it was largely forgotten, becoming a dumping ground for trash and a target for occasional vandalism. By 1984, residential development posed a new threat to the burial ground.

Community Support
A group of neighbors and members of the St. John's Community Association, led by then-president Barbara Sieg. decided the cemetery had endured enough neglect. In collaboration with the Whipps family, the community united to raise awareness and begin restoration through fundraising, volunteer efforts, and generous donations.

A Model for Preservation
Determined to save this cemetery from bulldozers and vandalism, Barbara Sieg discovered that existing laws failed to address willful neglect nor protect the rights of descendants and lot owners. As she educated herself on the issue, she realized that similar concerns existed in other jurisdictions and rallied more Marylanders to join her mission. In 1992, Barbara and fellow advocates founded the Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites (CPMBS) to promote the preservation of historic cemeteries across the state.

A Public Garden and Green Space
Extensive research into historic park and cemetery design guided efforts to honor this 19th-century graveyard. The transformation began with the planting of native and heritage plants, arranged in a casual design suited to the mostly shady, wooded site. Log-lined pathways followed the natural placement of gravestones. Today, Whipps Garden Cemetery serves as both a public park and an educational space for environmentally sound gardening practices. The UMD Extension Howard County Master Gardeners, along with community volunteers, continue to care for the grounds.

Key Dates
1855 Deed for transfer of land from Reuben M. Dorsey to William Whipps.
1860s Lots are sold to the public, including members of the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF).
1918 Last recorded burial; cemetery falls into disrepair.
1953 Members of Col. Thomas Dorsey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution inventory the graves.
1984 Clearing land for housing development reveals existence of burial ground.
1985 Whipps family gives St. John's Community Association permission to work to restore the cemetery to whatever beauty the project can accomplish.
1987 Restoration begins with Whipps family, St. John's Community Association, local volunteers, and youth groups.
1990 Designated as Site Number 579 on the Inventory of Historical Properties/Maryland Historical Trust.
1998 Incorporation of Friends of Whipps Cemetery and Memorial Gardens, Inc.

All proceeds and donations go to the preservation of this historic cemetery

This program is made possible by a grant from The Patapsco Valley Heritage Area, a certified heritage area of the Maryland Heritages Area Authority.

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