Erie Cemetery Association Foundation (ECA Foundation)

The mission of the Erie Cemetery Association Foundation (ECA Foundation) is to serve as a nonprofit partner for the Erie Cemetery Association. Our goal is to preserve, protect and promote in perpetuity the art, culture, history and natural beauty of the Erie Cemetery, Laurel Hill Cemetery and Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery and to educate the public on the historic significance of these cemeteries and their residents. We aim to provide enhancements to the facilities, monuments, and grounds that go beyond the Erie Cemetery Association’s normal responsibilities

Founded in 2020, the ECA Foundation has installed a monument to honor the members of the Harry Burleigh and Waters families who had previously been in unmarked graves. Supplies were purchased to clean markers and monuments throughout the Erie Cemetery as well as a tripod to upright monuments that had fallen over.

The latest project is the restoration of the Scott Mausoleum. This mausoleum was built in 1889 for William Scott, a past Mayor, Congressman and railroad magnate and is considered one of the most significant landmarks within the Erie Cemetery. This structure not only holds historical significance but also represents the artistic and architectural legacy of our area and as such, its restoration not only enhances the aesthetic value of the cemetery but also serves to educate future generations about the contributions of the Scott Family. Over the years, the mausoleum suffered significant deterioration and the funds left by the Scott family for its upkeep were depleted on previous restoration projects. The Foundation has raised the funds to address the needed exterior stone block work but also to refurbish two of the stained-glass windows.

The ECA Foundation is now researching and prioritizing future projects. The Erie Cemetery is now considered an arboretum so addressing the aging tree canopy in the cemetery is an area of concern. Another project under consideration is the fence surrounding the family plot of Pierre Simon Vincent Hamot, the namesake of UPMC Hamot. The fence, of which only a portion remains, is of historical significance in that it represents an era where fences surrounded family plots to delineate a specific area for a family as well as to keep out animals and prevent persons from walking over graves. Fences also were a sign of family status.

In addition to Dine Among the Departed, a fundraising dinner respectfully held in June within the Erie Cemetery, Erie Gives provides crucial support for the ECA Foundation. Donations will be utilized to address the needs and/or enhancements to the Erie Cemetery Association cemeteries that the Association does not have the funds to accomplish.