CoMo Preservation first learned about the historic cemeteries (Antioch Cemetery and Hinkson Creek Cemetery) in Columbia’s John W. Alspaugh Park during a presentation by Bruce Alspaugh in November 2023. We have been learning more and getting more involved with cemetery restoration ever since. In 2024 and 2025 we led tours through the park. In 2026 we organized several cemetery clean up days and started work to clean the cemetery sites. We had great turnout and participation for our formal cleanup events on Saturday May 2 and June 6. We cut down invading trees, cleaned up weeds, swept away built up soil, found more monument stones, and used special D/2 solution and soft brushes to brush away and clean years of dirt, lichen and algae built up on the stones. View photos and learn more at our News & Updates blog.

Join us on October 3, 2026, for our next cemetery clean up day. We have D/2 solution and brushes to keep working to remove algae, lichen, and dirt off the stones. Bring your muscles and enthusiasm and we will put you to work! 

CoMo Preservation has also been collaborating with the Genealogical Society of Boone County and Central Missouri, which is taking the lead in researching those buried in the cemeteries. This research will support future interpretive signage to be installed by the City of Columbia. We are pleased to partner with the Genealogical Society of Boone County and Central Missouri for this event. This volunteer workday will focus on respectful, preservation-minded care of the cemeteries using appropriate techniques.

The event is free and open to the public; however, reservations are required to assist with planning and coordination.