• location
• interest
• need
(Types of Cemeteries: Church, Commercial, Community, Family, Military, Slave)
2. Research the cemetery using:
- Cemetery Vertical files
- Census information
- Historical newspapers
- Civil War military records
- Deeds, wills etc.
A. Introduce yourself to owners and/or neighbors.
(Neighbors are a good source of information which can be documented at a later date) B. Photograph the cemetery and its surrounds including:
• overview of the cemetery including markers, field stones and depressions
• markers with unusual inscriptions• broken, leaning or fallen markers
• any evidence of vandalism
• unusual markers- zinc markers for example
• markers with symbolism
• different views of the cemetery and markers
C. Record inscription information from markers, not recorded in earlier surveys.
D. Record observations and recommendations for the cemetery.
● Very Overgrown
● Some Fallen Trees ● Some Trash
● Style of Enclosures
● Do not agree with markers being moved
4. Complete the Survey - Include all important historical information learned in research
Provide to local historical society(s) & libraries:
• hard and digital copies of the completed survey• digital copies of the photographs with descriptions/ captions
Report any vandalism to owners, neighbors and police
THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE AT THE CEMETERY:
1. When possible, work in pairs.
2. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing - you may be exposed to poisonous vines, insects, extremes in temperatures, and /or rough terrain.
3. Carry with you:*clipboard
*pertinent information to the cemetery -example a map of the cemetery
*camera
*bottled water
*yard stick or walking stick
*small broom
*cell phone
4. Do not try to move or repair markers without the advice of a professional.
5. If the cemetery is in need of a clean up, ask neighbors etc. for suggestions of groups who might want to conduct a clean up.
6. If cleaning a marker, use only soft brushes and distilled water.
7. Be respectful of flora and fauna.
8. Share your survey information with the local historical &/or cemetery preservation organizations.
For more information see:
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