The Friends of Hope Cemetery was founded in 1991 by a group of concerned citizens who wished to assist the city in the preservation, conservation, and beautification of the cemetery. The Friends promote an appreciation of the cemetery with a wide variety of programs, including historical walking tours, bird walks, conservation workshops, lectures, and Arbor Day activities.

Through the Friends' advocacy, Hope Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. This non-profit organization welcomes anyone interested in the cemetery's welfare to become a member of the Friends of Hope Cemetery.