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Eugene Masonic Cemetery
25th Avenue and
University Street
Eugene, OR

Mailing address
P.O. Box 5934
Eugene, OR 97405

Museum Hours
Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

541-684-0949

Admission
Free
Groups please call ahead.

Visit our web site

This community treasure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Remarkably, it is also an active, operating cemetery. Established in 1859, Eugene’s first cemetery includes pioneers, such as city founder Eugene Skinner, and modern notables like blues disc jockey “Rooster” Gavin Fox. It is also the burial site of the first governor of Oregon (John Whiteaker) as well as many hundreds of other pioneering leaders and citizens.

The cemetery retains “Masonic” in its name, as an important historic reference, but is no longer officially affiliated. Through the ongoing work of many, the historical importance and natural beauty of this woodland setting are being rediscovered and protected.

Stroll through the cemetery and enjoy the stories about individuals, family heritage, town and state beginnings, as well as native plant information.

The cemetery is an in-town oasis of native plants and visitors will find extensive interpretive signage and brochures on site. In addition to being an historical site, the cemetery is a working cemetery, with burial space for sale.

Hope Abbey Mausoleum
The Eugene Masonic Cemetery Association has worked diligently to restore the structure to its original glory. Restoration of the interior, by artisans and volunteers, continues. Its walls are white Alaskan Marble, the floor is marble terrazzo, and golden stained-glass windows are clad in copper.

Ordinarily kept secure and locked, the huge copper doors are opened to the public on special occasions such as Memorial Day weekend.

One of our goals is to provide historic interpretation of the cemetery. We publish well-researched brochures, books, and newsletters. Historic markers, describing early Eugeneans who made a difference, are maintained near gravesites. An on-site bulletin board is provided, and Hope Abbey is a venue for occasional lectures. Genealogy services are available for a fee.

The Scatter Garden
The Scatter Garden is beautifully sited on the northeast slope of the cemetery. The area is graced by sword fern, tall larkspur, vine maple, and other native plants, which flourish under a Douglas-fir canopy. It is a special outdoor sanctuary that accommodates family gatherings as well as solitary reflection.

Hope Abbey Mausoleum and the Mason Cemetery are on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Scatter Garden.

Closeup of a headstone in the cemetery.

Detail of a railing.