Mission Statement: To fund efforts and projects to preserve the cemetery as an historical venue and maintain its landscaping and historically significant monuments while it also serves the arts, education, science, and the general needs of the public in the present time.

For generations, Chippiannock has been famous for the design and artisitic improvement of its landscaping and monuments, many of them famous works of art. Through the years, it has also become a significant venue for artists, photographers, and lecturers, and we have stretched our physical and financial resources to accommodate their interests. This is how the cemetery became famous as a landmark enjoyed by Quad City citizens and visitors from all over the country. In fact, in 1994 Chipiannock was awarded a place in the National Register of Historic Places. That has been the happy result of all our efforts. All very well of course. Needless to say, there are special challenges in maintaining a landmark such as this one. Roads, trees, and shrubs need to be maintained. Many of them need replacement after so many years. And some of Chippiannock's priceless and venerable monuments need to be straightened and reset. This is costly maintenance.

In 1999, the Chippiannock Cemetery Heritage Foundation (CCHF) was formed to raise funds for the historical and preservation programs, newsletter, and educational outreach we have worked hard to provide through the years. The CCHF has the 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, and all contributions are tax deductible.

Currently the CCHF offers walking tours of history, Victorian symbolism, trees, and birds. Self-guided walking tour brochures are available at no cost. We also sponsor a genealogical workshop and other workshops of community interest. If you would like to receive our newsletter, please consider membership in the CCHF. Membership in the CCHF is $25 per year for an individual, and $45 per year for a family. Membership will include the newsletter and notification of discounts and special events. Please make your contribution or membership check payable to the CCHF and mail to:

Chippiannock Cemetery
Heritage Foundation
2901 - 12 St.
Rock Island, IL 61201-5335

Now Available!

“150 Years of Epitaphs at Chippiannock Cemetery”

This illustrated book is a compilation of all the scripts written for our award winning “Epitaphs Brought to Life” event. Included with the 114 scripts are biographies of each of the individuals portrayed in our event. This book celebrates the artistry and symbolism of the monuments in Chippiannock, along with its botanical and historical significance. This is a book you will want to own, and a treasured gift to give to your friends.

A limited number of these books are being printed. If you are interested, you should order now.

This book was made possible through the cooperative efforts of the CCHF and the Rock Island Preservation Commission with financial support from the U.S. Dept. of Interior, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the City of Rock Island.

“Passages: A Collection of Personal Histories of Chippiannock Cemetery”

The book is composed of three sections: the notables, the families, and the individuals. It is an historical remembrance of our past and a glimpse of today. “Passages” is a book of cherished personal accounts of family members and statements of lives lived well. This hardbound book will be available for a limited time. THIS BOOK IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY A GRANT FROM THE ILLINOIS HUMANITIES COUNCIL, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Illinois General Assembly.

Please use our order for your own “150 Years of Epitaphs at Chippiannock Cemetery” & "Passages: A Collection of Personal Histories of Chippiannock Cemetery"