Wyuka Historical Foundation

Wyuka Historical Foundation supports the preservation, interpretation, and public use of Nebraska‘s historic state cemetery.

Preservation and restoration efforts for the monuments and buildings at Wyuka are a principal focus of the Foundation. Preserving the beautiful landscape, the streets, and the other historic elements of Wyuka Cemetery will assure that future generations of Nebraskans and visitors from throughout the country can enjoy this unique property. Wyuka Cemetery is listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places and is a Nebraska State Arboretum Historic Landscape.

Wyuka Cemetery was authorized by Nebraska law in 1869 and is a public charitable corporation managed by five Trustees appointed by the Nebraska governor. The Historical Foundation encourages the community to enjoy the grounds as a place for walking and enjoying nature. The Stables, Rudge Chapel and the Garden Room are used for weddings, concerts, and community meetings as well as memorial services.

Mary Wright Spencer resigned on December 31, 2024, as the Director of the Board and Treasurer. Mary joined the Wyuka Historical Foundation in September 2008 and became its Treasurer. She added fundraisers to the list of accomplishments for the foundation. As a fundraiser for various projects, she dedicated herself to enhance and preserve the Wyuka Cemetery.

Though stepping down from her official roles, Mary will continue to volunteer for Littlest Angels, an initiative that places headstones for babies buried at Wyuka. Additionally, Mary will remain involved with Wreaths Across America, a countrywide project that places wreathe every December on soldiers’ graves in the three soldier circles. Post-resignation, Mary intends to complete the quilting and scrapbook projects.

Mary has spent most of her life in Lincoln, graduating from N.E. Highschool and the Lincoln School of Commerce. Her career began as a paralegal for 15 years, followed by three decades in a brokerage firm, where she earned a Series 7 license.

Mary expressed that she would miss everyone, and she would indeed be missed by the Wyuka community and the Foundation board.

This year’s donations surpassed the amount needed to put a wreath at every soldiers grave in the three soldiers circles. This year’s amount was 1841 and 1697 are needed for the three solider circles is 1697 with the remaining going to private graves.