About

Our Story

The work to preserve and protect Bedford's Memorial Park as a Conservancy began as a dream of Bedford resident, Sally Frear.

Sally founded the Conservancy in the early 1990's, shortly after her Garden Club completed a tree-planting project in the cemetery next to the Bedford United Methodist Church. Upon hearing a group of young people commenting on the beautiful trees, but unreadable gravestones, Sally took it upon herself to become the champion of the historic site at the heart of Bedford.

Efforts to turn this former diamond-in-the-rough to a polished gem, under Sally's leadership, have included extensive historic surveys, upgraded walking paths, and signs providing visitors information about the park. A memorial bench and tree project provided even more improvements, providing places for guests to quietly sit and reflect while allowing others in the community to support the park. One of the memorial trees marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of Bedford County.

Sally dedicated much of her life to making the Bedford Memorial Park Conservancy a special place to visit, reflect, remember and learn about the history and heritage of Bedford County. Since her death in 2017, the Conservancy board, including Chair Bill Snyder, Vice Chair and Mayor Bill Leibfreid and Treasurer Rudy Plummer have continued her work.

With the help of scout troops, REI and other volunteers, the Bedford Memorial Park Conservancy remains a treasured historical asset of the Bedford County region.

This website is dedicated in respectful memory and honor of Conservancy founder, Sally Frear.