Canton Cemetery Foundation
Preserving the Legacy of Canton’s Past
For more than 150 years, West Lawn and North Lawn Cemeteries have served as sacred places of remembrance for the individuals and families who helped shape Canton and Stark County. These grounds are more than a resting place; they are an outdoor museum, a community landmark, and a living record of the people whose vision and determination shaped this region.
The Canton Cemetery Foundation was established to preserve and share that story. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Foundation supports the long-term care, restoration, and historical interpretation of these cemeteries, with a special focus on the rich heritage of West Lawn.
A Rich History, Rooted in This Community
West Lawn Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Canton’s most consequential figures, including members of the Timken, Aultman, and Hoover families, among others, whose lives were woven into the fabric of Stark County. Their stories endure through monuments, markers, and historic sections that reflect generations of leadership, industry, and civic pride.
The Foundation is committed to ensuring these stories are not only preserved, but brought to life for visitors, students, and future generations in meaningful and engaging ways.
What Your Support Makes Possible
Contributions to the Canton Cemetery Foundation go directly towards projects that restore, enhance, and interpret the historic character of these grounds. Your generosity helps fund:
- Restoration of aging headstones, monuments, and historic markers weathered by time
- Grounds improvements that maintain the dignity and beauty of these sacred spaces
- New signage and interpretive materials that share the stories of the notable individuals buried here
Educational tours and community events, including the expansion of guided trolley tours - Renovation of the historic receiving vault, returning it to its original character
Through these efforts, the Foundation aims to make West Lawn and North Lawn richer destinations for learning, reflection, and community connection, and to support progress toward formal historical designation for these irreplaceable grounds.
How to Give
Your gift to the Canton Cemetery Foundation helps ensure that Canton's history is honored, its stories are told, and these cemeteries remain cherished community spaces for generations to come.
To make a donation or learn more about supporting the Foundation, please reach out to our team directly. We'd love to hear from you. Contributions may also be made by check payable to:
Canton Cemetery Foundation
4927 Cleveland Ave. NW
Canton, Ohio 44709
Every contribution, at every level, makes a difference. Thank you for helping us preserve the legacy of the people who made Canton what it is today.