Historic Oakland Foundation
Living History
Since 1976, Historic Oakland Foundation has worked in partnership with the City of Atlanta to preserve, restore, enhance, and share Oakland Cemetery—Atlanta’s first public greenspace—with the community as an important cultural resource and as an island of tranquility in the heart of the city.
In recent years, Historic Oakland Foundation reached its capacity. Without additional resources, restoration of the cemetery’s 48 acres would continue at a pace too slow to ensure the full cemetery would be preserved for generations to come.
“Our campaign is breathing new life into Atlanta’s oldest (and most beautiful!) park and historic site, and we are so grateful for Coxe Curry’s support and partnership in these efforts. The tremendous progress we’ve made is testament to the hard work and dedication of so many, and Coxe Curry’s thoughtfulness, responsiveness, and dedication as we’ve navigated our first-ever capital campaign amidst a global pandemic is remarkable and an important part of our success.”
Historic Oakland Foundation was ready to embark on its first-ever capital campaign. We supported the Oakland team from start to finish, beginning with a thorough pre-study consulting period to prepare all partners and leaders for the journey ahead.
After completing the study, Oakland began working toward a goal of $10 million that eventually increased to $14 million due to post-COVID construction cost escalations. The Living History campaign has been defined by the collective effort of Oakland’s staff, board, and campaign committee and the City of Atlanta. Together, they secured critical early investments, sustained the campaign during the pandemic, and elevated the cemetery as a remarkable historic space—one teeming with life, activities, and stories to share.
Today, visitors can enjoy the preservation and restoration of the East Hill section, the rehabilitated Oakland Bell Tower building, and soon a new Visitors Center.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Sector: Environment and Preservation
Proudest Moment: Seeing acres of Atlanta’s first public greenspace, along with the 1899 Bell Tower, preserved for future generations
Coxe Curry Services Utilized: Pre-Study Consulting, Campaign Planning Study, Campaign Consulting, Interim Solutions