About UsThe idea for the Potter’s Field Project arose from an afternoon chat among friends during the summer of 2012. The original purpose was to restore the existing Chinese Funerary Burner located at the bottom of the hill. However, after noticing the anonymous nature of the interred, the broken headstones and the abandoned look of Potter’s Field, the Project quickly expanded as reflected in the mission and goals listed below.
Our Project's mission is to identify its inhabitants, recognize their contributions, while preserving with respect and care an important outdoor museum regarding early California, Western United States, Contra Costa County, and the City of Martinez, Histories. Our Project's Goals are to unearth any artifacts from the Chinese Funerary Burner and Altar Complex to be incorporated in its recreation; repair all headstones; stabilize Potter's Field from further soil erosion, prevent destruction of its historic structures; continue maintenance of its grounds; map, reset and relocate dislodged Stones; research, record and recover the lost history of Alhambra Cemetery, Potter's Field and its many residents. The Martinez Historical Society with the aid of the City of Martinez, City of Martinez Cemetery Commission and the greater community at large, intially launched the project on Sat, May 9, 2015 during the Annual City’s Alhambra Cemetery Spring Cleanup. To solicit and organize volunteers for this important ongoing project, the Society in accordance with its mission, formed the Martinez Cemetery Committee. The Committee coordinates with all involved parties including a Team of Experts who provide professional guidance. The Society's Mission: To preserve the history of Martinez and to preserve physical objects related to that history; To study and discover new information about the history of Martinez; To educate the community about history; To arouse interest in the study of history. If you wish to donate to this important project, there is another nonprofit in Martinez which makes it convenient for you to do so online. That organization is SOLS, which is not affiliated with the Martinez Historical Society but supports the activities in Potters Field. Please visit their Donation Page to contribute monies or materials for the project. SOLS will in turn provide project materials directly to the City as needed. If you have any information about the site, its residents, or wish to volunteer, please email us at martinezcemetery@gmail.com or call (925) 335-9396 for more info. To find out about our next work party, please check our Calendar. |
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