Our Mission
Lutz Cemetery and The American Legion Post 108 are proud to introduce The Lutz Heritage Center, located at 19209 US 41 in Lutz, Florida, USA. With over 115 years of local history, Lutz Cemetery is a great place to establish a community archive that will preserve local heritage for generations.
Community Engagement
The Lutz Heritage Center's efforts to acquire and digitize historical records, stories, photos, and memorabilia will require the collaboration of local families, organizations, churches, and schools. Together, we will establish a historical community destination to be cherished and enjoyed by all.
Objectives
- Preserve the history of the Lutz community and its founding families.
- Collect stories, photos, and memorabilia from generations past.
- Expand Lutz Cemetery in a sustainable, community-supported way.
- Establish a community-based heritage rally point.
- Prepare a historical foundation leading into the 250th Anniversary of America.
- Provide Youth Service Learning Project opportunities through the Florida Legacy Project, and other activities that promote historical preservation, Americanism, and patriotism.
Our Future Home
The Lutz Heritage Center has a vision, one that includes an interactive physical location that benefits the entire community. Plans for our future building include:
- A dedicated physical space to serve as a museum preserving both local heritage and military history.
- A versatile banquet hall designed to host community events, ceremonies, and private gatherings.
- A dedicated learning center equipped with computer access to support education, research, and youth programs.
- A training center for workshops, seminars, and community-based instruction.
- A fully equipped podcast studio to produce and share stories, interviews, and educational content.
- Administrative offices to support cemetery operations and community services.
- A Veteran Memorial Park honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation's heroes.
- A community park providing a welcome outdoor space for reflection, recreation, and public events.
Heritage Partnership Support
Beyond the project's archival efforts, Lutz Cemetery and the Lutz Heritage Center initiative include ongoing activities, volunteer opportunities, and community events. Planned events focus on honoring those interred at Lutz Cemetery and include:
Stone Cleaning Projects
Park Design and Construction
Annual Purple Heart Remembrance Ceremony
Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
Full Military Honors for all Interred Service Members (upon request)
Annual Wreaths Across America Day Event
Annual Veteran Resource Expo
Annual Community Fall Festival
Historic Preservation & Our Youth Community
The American Legion Post 108 has established the American Legacy Youth Corps. The ALYC is a collection of local youth groups and organizations that have committed to preserving history, honoring those who've served, and beautifying Lutz Cemetery.
How to Get Involved
The American Legion Post 108 is proud to sponsor many local youth groups and encourages all others to reach out to get involved. Becoming part of the Post 108 ALYC requires participation in either the Florida Legacy Project or any of the Post's Youth Service Learning Programs.
The Florida Legacy Project
The Florida Legacy Project is an ongoing youth-driven historical research initiative centered at Lutz Cemetery. Students select an individual buried in the cemetery and conduct in-depth historical research to document that person's life, legacy, and contribution to the community.
Through archival research, interviews, and artifact collection, students transform forgotten names into living stories. These stories are preserved digitally and made accessible to the public through QR-enabled memorials.