Preservation and protection of historic cemeteries.
Old cemeteries are some of the most important historic landmarks and can teach a lot about an area's development.Historic cemeteries often need a lot of effort to maintain.To maintain a complete picture of the character and heritage of a place and the people who live there, it is necessary to protect and preserve historic cemeteries.
Step 1: The State Historic Preservation Office is where you can contact it.
There is information on how to apply to have the cemetery listed on national and state historic registries from the state where it is located.If you want to speak with staff at the office, you can visit the website, where you'll find information about the process, as well as research materials and forms to complete it.State historic societies often have guidelines for the preservation and restoration of historic cemeteries.The cemetery does not have any physical protection, funding, or restoration.The cemetery is listed in a historic registry.
Step 2: Evaluate state or federal criteria.
The National Park Service and state historic preservation offices have specific criteria that must be met for a cemetery to be designated a historic landmark.Other landmarks must meet certain criteria in order to be designated.If people are buried in a cemetery that is historically significant due to its age, design features, or association with historic events, it can be considered a historic landmark.A slave cemetery on the grounds of a former plantation could potentially be a historic landmark.To qualify on the basis of age, it's important that the age is relevant to the development of the area.A cemetery from the original settlement in the 1700's would be eligible.If you nominate a cemetery based on design values, you may not be able to restore old grave markers.If the grave markers have been replaced, cemeteries can't qualify for registration.
Step 3: You have to complete the forms.
To register a cemetery as a historic landmark, you need to fill out the forms listed below.You need to establish reasons for the cemetery's historic significance as part of your nomination forms.Your reasons can be supported by photos of markers of important people.You might want to include documents related to the founding of the cemetery, or archeological data from excavations that tie the site to a historically significant time period or group of people.You can get ideas on the type of information you need to prove your case by looking at the nomination forms of historic cemeteries that have been listed in a state or national cemetery.
Step 4: You can submit your nomination forms.
If you want the cemetery to be designated as a state or national historic landmark, you must submit your nomination to the State Historic Preservation Office of the state in which it is located.Public comment will be solicited after your nomination is received.There may be a public hearing where people can testify as to why the cemetery should be designated a historic landmark.Your state's National Register Review Board will review your application if you nominated the cemetery for national registration.
Step 5: Follow the registration process.
After your nomination is received and evaluated, you may have to attend public hearings or answer questions from the staff.You should have your application processed within four to six months for state or national recognition.As the process continues, you will have to keep in touch with the SHPO to find out what you need to do.You will be notified if your application is accepted.The state or federal government will issue plaques to commemorate the site once it is designated a historic landmark.
Step 6: The cemetery location and boundaries are to be recorded.
The boundaries of the cemetery should be recorded so that the site can be preserved.Texas provides for county deed records to be updated to reflect the existence and location of the cemetery through the state historic cemetery designation process.You can take other steps to secure the property if you mark the boundaries of the cemetery using deed records.If you want to preserve the historic cemetery for future generations, you should create a notice of existence within the county's deed records.
Step 7: Permission to conduct preservation efforts is needed.
Unless you have permission from the owner of the land or the government, you won't be able to preserve the cemetery unless it's on your private property.State or local governments control many historic cemeteries.Before you can start protecting and preserving the historic cemetery, you have to get written permission from the government.Cemetery associations are in some states and localities.If you want to preserve the site, you need to become familiar with the association's rules and regulations so you don't run afoul of any restrictions.If the cemetery is only accessible through private land, you'll have to negotiate access with the owner.
Step 8: Make sure the cemetery property is secure.
If you want to protect your investment of time and money, you need to make sure the location is secure against destruction or vandals.Building a fence around the cemetery is one way to secure the area.If the fence and gate are historic, you should talk to a preservation expert.If the cemetery is surrounded by private lands, consult the owners for ideas on how to keep the site secure.You should contact the local police department to let them know that you're starting an effort to restore the cemetery and would like them to patrol the area regularly.Understand the level of security that will be necessary by getting a sense of the area.If the cemetery is a frequent target of vandals, you may want to consider hiring a private security guard.
Step 9: To create a preservation plan, you should work with professionals.
Because your preservation efforts may have significant cultural and archaeological implications, you should consult people with training and experience in preservation to come up with a plan to preserve a historic cemetery.The types of people you need to involve in your planning depends on the type of cemetery you're restoring.Archaeologists can help if the cemetery contains many graves.You might want to consult a historian to find out who is buried in the cemetery.If the grave markers and other features have architectural or sculptural significance, you may want to hire an architect.Many of these professionals are willing to help protect and preserve a historic landmark.You can get the names and contact information of professionals who have volunteered on other preservation efforts by talking to your staff.
Step 10: There is a map of the cemetery grounds.
A detailed map of the entire cemetery is required to plan your preservation strategy.If the location is known, your map should note the orientation of all marked graves.You should include the size and type of markers.The control number should be on the map.As you research the cemetery and the people who are buried in it, you can use the numbers to create a guide.You should note the control number of the physical features on each photograph so that the photos can be organized using the map.The work that must be done to repair or restore a feature should be noted.You can divide the cemetery into zones once you have a complete map.The map allows you to assign projects to certain people and keep track of their progress.Landscape features such as trees and bushes may be of cultural significance to the historic community that created the cemetery.Don't destroy or move these features if you can.
Step 11: The network of volunteers should be built.
A lot of the work required to maintain a historic cemetery can be done by citizens.To gauge interest in volunteering, talk to people in the community surrounding the cemetery.You can find volunteers by presenting your plans to historic or genealogy societies.If you want to get groups of students together to work on cemetery preservation, you should speak with professors at the university.Extra credit may be offered to student-volunteers by some professors.Volunteers interested in assisting the preservation effort can be attracted by publicity in local newspapers.
Step 12: The brush should be clear by hand.
To avoid disturbing graves or damaging markers, the bulk of the brush on the grounds of a historic cemetery should be cleared without the use of motorized clippers or lawnmowers.Painstaking and labor intensive are some of the things that are involved in cleaning up a historic cemetery.Volunteer frequently to prevent burn-out and carelessness.If anyone is injured while working at the cemetery, keep a first aid kit on hand and establish rules of conduct.Take note of any toxic plants on the grounds, and make sure anyone who is responsible for clearing brush in those areas wears protective clothing.If possible, have professionals train volunteers so they know what brush and debris is a part of the cemetery's design and shouldn't be disturbed.
Step 13: Go around markers.
After the brush is cleared, the majority of the grass in the cemetery can be mowed using a hand mower, although care should be taken to first flag the markers and not mow over them.If you hire a landscape company or other contractors to complete mowing, make sure they understand the delicate nature of the site and are willing to take precautions to avoid upsetting historic markers or destroying landscape features.Everyone understands the nature of the project if agreements are written in writing.Push mower use is better than riding mower.The risk of damaging historic artifacts and grave markers can be mitigated by non-motorized mowers.
Step 14: It's a good idea to avoid using pesticides, herbicides, orfertilizers.
Chemicals can upset the balance of delicate cemetery soils and cause further erosion of old markers if they are made of porous stones.If toxic plants need to be removed, it's a good idea to consult a plant or landscape professional.Some plants and vegetation have cultural significance.The landscape of the historic cemetery should remain the same.
Step 15: The soundness of grave markers is checked.
Before you begin the process of cleaning markers, you should first determine if the material is intact enough to be cleaned without doing further damage.Many historic grave markers are made of soft stone that is easy to carve.As a result of their softness, these grave markers are more easily eroded and worn down by years of exposure to the elements.If a stone grave marker has a crumbling surface or large cracks, you should not attempt to clean or repair it on your own.If you have grave markers that aren't sound on your map, it's a good idea to have a professional look at them.
Step 16: Repairs on sound markers need to be cleaned.
If the stone is sound, many grave markers can be cleaned gently by hand.Don't use excessive water pressure to clean gravestones.Many markers can be cleaned by brushing them off with a softbristled brush and then wet them with warm water.You can use a mixture of ammonia and four parts water to clean the stones, but don't use any other cleaners or abrasive materials as they can further weaken and damage the stone.If a marker doesn't respond well to cleaning, cease efforts and consult a professional.Delays to the project are better than additional damage.
Step 17: Unsound markers can be repaired by a professional.
If a marker has deteriorated to the point that attempts to clean it could result in its destruction, you should seek assistance from a stone conservator or preservation specialist.Historic photos of the cemetery can help you understand how it looked when it was built, giving you a better idea of how to focus your restoration efforts.Even if the person is volunteering his or her time, make sure the agreements with professionals are in writing.Everyone understands the goals of the project and your expectations for the professional in written agreements.It can be tempting to just take anyone who is willing to volunteer their time.To protect the integrity of the cemetery and your restoration project, conduct a thorough background check on any professionals you hire to make sure they have the proper qualifications and licenses.