Preserving the Past and Remembering Our History
Introduction to Cemetery Preservation
Cemeteries serve as far more than final resting places; they are repositories of human history, culture, and ecology that warrant active preservation. Neglecting them leads to irreversible losses in societal memory and community identity. Preservation efforts, including maintenance, documentation, and community involvement, ensure these spaces endure for future generations.
Historical Value
Cemeteries serve as open-air museums that document the lives, events, and societal evolution of communities. They contain invaluable records, including inscriptions, architecture, and artifacts, that provide insights into past eras such as migration patterns, epidemics, wars, and daily life.
Preserving these sites helps safeguard tangible links to history, allowing researchers, genealogists, and the public to trace family lineages to understand broader historical narratives. For instance, historic cemeteries often highlight the contributions of veterans and key figures, ensuring their legacies are not forgotten.
Indian War
1607 to the late 1800s
Civil War (GAR)
1861 to 1865
Spanish War
1898 to 1901
World War I
1614 to 1918