Beautifully restored gates mark the entrances to the cemetery. (DeKalb County Community Foundation photo)

The DeKalb County Community Foundation has announced a designated fund devoted to supporting Sycamore’s Elmwood Cemetery.

This new Designated Fund will offer support for general maintenance, historical restoration or preservation, historical burial site or war memorial maintenance, and other public enhancements.

The Elmwood Cemetery Company was formed in 1865 by local citizens who wanted a special place of honor for loved ones who fought in the Civil War. The citizens formed a board of managers to create a new cemetery in Sycamore. The board purchased 18 acres of farmland from Henry L. Boies.

“We established the Elmwood Cemetery Endowment Fund to provide revenue for ongoing historical and public-facing needs,” said John Boies, president of Ellwood Cemetery Company. “As a 501c13 organization, the Elmwood Cemetery Company wants to provide donors with tax-deductible options for giving. The cemetery is a respected place where loved one’s rest, history and family genealogy are remembered, and guests can walk or gather. We take pride in this community treasure’s upkeep and ongoing restoration.”

Today, the Elmwood Cemetery is enclosed by restored iron fencing, and beautiful cast-iron gates mark the entrance. In addition, the cemetery contains 100-plus documented Union Army veterans and war heroes of past and present.

The cemetery gates have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since November 28, 1978.

“We are grateful to be working with the Elmwood Cemetery Company Board to establish this important Fund that honors people whose lives and accomplishments built, protected, and enhanced the quality of life for Sycamore and surrounding communities,” said Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin.

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the Elmwood Cemetery Endowment Fund, can be made online at https://dekalbccf.org/give/how-to-donate/or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.

For questions or to discuss setting up a Fund that aligns with your charitable interests, contact Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.