Volunteers Begin Restoration Work at Historic New Home Cemetery Near Willis

Volunteers in Montgomery County have launched a new restoration effort at the historic New Home Cemetery near Willis. The project follows the completion of a major preservation initiative in Conroe, marking another step in protecting regional heritage sites located just north of Houston.

The volunteer group, known for its ongoing work to restore neglected cemeteries, began clearing overgrown brush, repairing damaged headstones, and assessing long-term preservation needs at the New Home Cemetery. According to organizers, the site had suffered from years of vegetation overgrowth and weather-related deterioration. The team plans to pace the work over several weekends to ensure the grounds can be safely maintained in the future.

Much of the group’s momentum stems from its recently completed project in Conroe, where volunteers spent months rehabilitating a historic burial site that had become inaccessible due to dense brush and erosion. Leaders say these preservation efforts help protect local history while providing families and researchers with access to burial records.

Why the Restoration Matters

The New Home Cemetery holds genealogical value and reflects the early settlement history of the Willis area. Many of the gravestones date back more than a century. Volunteers noted that several markers were at risk of becoming permanently lost without immediate intervention.

With Montgomery County experiencing steady population growth, community leaders say that now is the time to ensure historically significant locations are preserved. Volunteer-led preservation also reduces the burden on local governments and relies on community engagement to keep sites accessible and respectful.

What’s Next

The group plans to continue work throughout the season, depending on weather conditions and volunteer turnout. Residents interested in participating can join upcoming cleanup days or support ongoing material needs for preservation.

This article is a summary of reporting by The Courier of Montgomery County. Read the full story here.