Descendants of Olivewood

Descendants of Olivewood

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This is the official page of the historic Olivewood Cemetery in Houston, TX.

Nestled against a bend of White Oak Bayou, and surrounded by rich Houston history, lies Olivewood Cemetery, the city's first incorporated African American cemetery. Descendants of Olivewood is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the restoration, preservation, operation, and maintenance of this historic Texas cemetery.

11/05/2025

The Descendants of Olivewood warmly invite you to honor this important milestone at the historic DeLUXE Theater. Together, we will reflect on the rich legacy of those interred here and celebrate the achievements of their descendants, supported by our community. We are thrilled to share our vision for the future of historic Olivewood Cemetery and discuss how you can contribute significantly to preserving this legacy for future generations. The Festivities will include a silent auction featuring the artwork of Mr. Arthur Deatly and a performance by Voices of Houston.

When: November 16, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
Where: The DeLUXE Theater
Tickets: Free at Eventbrite

Painting History in Houston’s Cemeteries | Glasstire 11/04/2025

Descendants of Olivewood are excited to present a Glasstire article by Crystal Wreden that highlights Arthur Deatly and his captivating series of paintings depicting Olivewood Cemetery. Join us for our 150th celebration of the historic Olivewood Cemetery, where you will have the opportunity to own one of his stunning paintings. These works not only capture the serene beauty of the cemetery but also tell stories of the people who rest there, preserving their memories through vibrant colors and intricate details. Arthur Deatly’s art offers a unique lens into the past, bridging generations and connecting the present with the rich tapestry of history that Olivewood represents.
During the event, guests will have the chance to explore these pieces up close, with the opportunity to engage in conversations with the artist himself. We invite you to immerse yourself in this artistic journey, while also enjoying the soulful melodies of the Voices of Houston, whose performance will resonate with the spirit of the occasion.
We look forward to celebrating this momentous milestone with all of you, as we honor our past and look forward to a bright future for the Olivewood community. Your presence will not only enrich the celebration but also contribute to preserving this cherished legacy for generations to come.

When: November 16, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
Where: The DeLUXE Theater
Tickets: Free at Eventbrite

Painting History in Houston’s Cemeteries | Glasstire Crystal Wreden writes about plein-air painter Arthur Deatly and the Houston-area cemeteries where he documents gravestones and memorials.

10/17/2025

We’ve been working hard to recover from last year’s storms and years of erosion, and we owe a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer who keeps showing up.

This Saturday at 9AM, we’ll clear limbs, gently wash headstones, and open safe paths for visitors. Please come out to help care for these sacred grounds. Bring gloves, water, and a friend. We’ll provide tools, guidance, and the stories that live here.

Save the date: Sunday, November 16, 2:00–5:00 PM at the DeLUXE Theatre for Their Vision Restored: Olivewood at 150. Purchase tickets and sponsorship tables at the link in our bio. Every ticket is a tangible way to honor the people who built Houston and the ancestors whose shoulders we stand on, and to fund urgent restoration and preservation.

10/03/2025

When you walk into Olivewood, the ground tells the truth—handmade markers, oaks that have shaded families for generations. Last summer, Hurricane Beryl knocked down as many as 60 trees and broke more than a dozen headstones, just weeks after the May windstorm left 26 trees down, 14 removals, and 56 feet of iron fence destroyed. We’ll be there on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays, but these repairs outstrip what volunteers can carry alone.

Join us Sunday, Nov 16, 2:00–5:00 PM at the DeLUXE Theatre for Their Vision Restored: Olivewood at 150—a semi-formal celebration with history, community, and ways to fund urgent restoration. Tickets and sponsorship tables are still available. Every seat, table, and gift helps keep this sacred ground standing.

Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/their-vision-restored-olivewood-at-150-tickets-1468072477299

Photo credit: ABC13 Houston

09/24/2025

Thanks to the generous donation by artist Arthur Deatly, Descendants of Olivewood is pleased to announce that Arthur’s series of Olivewood Paintings will be available for purchase through a silent auction. The silent auction will take place this November as we celebrate 150 years of Olivewood. This event not only offers a unique opportunity to acquire exquisite art pieces but also serves as a tribute to the rich history and enduring legacy of Olivewood. Attendees will have the chance to engage with the vibrant community, learn about the heritage of Olivewood, and support the preservation efforts that keep its stories alive. Join us for an afternoon of art, history, and community spirit as we honor this significant milestone with a blend of culture and creativity.

“Their Vision Restored: Olivewood at 150"
When: November 16, 2025
Where: The Deluxe Theater | 3303 Lyons Ave
Time: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/their-vision-restored-olivewood-at-150-tickets-1468072477299?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Their Vision Restored: Olivewood at 150 09/24/2025

THEIR VISION RESTORED | OLIVEWOOD AT 150

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Olivewood Cemetery is more than a commemoration of the past; it is an opportunity to unite the community in shared history and collective memory. By honoring the lives of those who have gone before us, we can ensure that their stories continue to resonate, enriching the tapestry of our shared human experience.

Join us in celebrating their lives while helping Descendants of Olivewood keep this sacred ground safe, cared for, and cherished for generations to come.

• Event: Their Vision Restored: Olivewood at 150
• When: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 2:00–5:00 PM CT
• Where: The DeLuxe Theater • Houston, TX
• Hosted by: Descendants of Olivewood

🎟 Get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/their-vision-restored-olivewood-at-150-tickets-1468072477299

🗓 Add to calendar: after checkout, tap “Add to calendar” on Eventbrite so you don’t miss it.
pre-planned to come

Their Vision Restored: Olivewood at 150 Celebrate 150 years of legacy at Olivewood Cemetery. Honor the past. Restore the future. Join us Nov 16 at The Deluxe Theatre.

08/31/2025

Join Us in Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Olivewood Cemetery!
Descendants of Olivewood warmly invite you to commemorate this significant milestone on November 16, 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM at the historic DeLuxe Theater. Together, we will reflect on the rich history of those laid to rest and celebrate the progress made by their descendants with the support of our community. We are excited to share our vision for the future of Olivewood Cemetery and discuss how you can play a vital role in preserving this legacy for future generations.
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT EVENTBRITE: https://bit.ly/4p6xMnc

Photos from Descendants of Olivewood's post 06/13/2025

Damage Control

Photos from Descendants of Olivewood's post 09/12/2024

Thanks to volunteers from Houston Mason's Magnolia Lodge #3, who lent a much-needed hand with post-storm clean up on Sat Sept 7. Drop by any time, gentlemen!

Photos from Descendants of Olivewood's post 08/30/2024

Geoscience at Olivewood!

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1300 Court St
Houston, TX
77007