One of SHiP’s principal focuses is its Small Cemeteries Action Plan. SHiP is developing a GIS map of all known formal and informal burial sites in northeast Ohio. SHiP also assists local governments and private organizations with identifying the locations of burials within portions of the known or suspected site of multiple burials. In performing these services, SHiP utilizes geophysical remote sensing equipment, archival research, and genealogical research to identify the locations of abandoned, neglected, and forgotten cemeteries, to delineate the boundaries of cemeteries with unmarked graves, and to connect individuals to descendants.
In addition to identification and delineation of cemeteries through archival research, archaeological investigations, and geophysical survey, SHiP can also provide related services including:
- Analysis of monument types, grave marker inscriptions, and materials
- Analysis of above-ground grave goods
- Identification of the decedents and their living descendants through research
- Preparation of designs for appropriate renovation or replacement of memorial markers
For the benefit of local governments and private entities that own or manage cemeteries, SHiP has compiled the following bibliography of materials that may be helpful to those charged with the restoration and preservation of historical cemeteries:
Books
A Graveyard Preservation Primer
Lynette Strangstad
Series: American Association for State and Local History
Paperback: 236 pages
Publisher: AltaMira Press; Second edition (August 28, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0759122423
ISBN-13: 978-0759122420
Description: A Graveyard Preservation Primer has proven itself to be a time-tested resource for those who are seeking information regarding the protection and preservation of historic graveyards. It was first written to help stewards of early burial grounds responsibly and effectively preserve their graveyards. Much information found in the first edition of the book remains valid today. Still, much has changed in the twenty-five years since its first publication, and the new edition reflects these changes.
Attitudes and the understanding of historic graveyards as an important cultural resource have grown and developed over the years. Likewise, changes in treatments have also taken place. Perhaps the most dramatic change in burial ground preservation is in the world of technology. Changes in computers and the way we use them have also changed preservation practices in historic graveyards. Discussion of technological changes in the new edition includes those in mapping, surveying, photography, archaeology, and other areas of evaluation and planning.
Consideration is given, too, to maintenance and conservation treatments, including both traditional and newer treatments for stone, concrete, and metals. Metals were not discussed in the earlier editions, and protection and preservation of the landscape as it relates to graveyards is an expanded focus of this book.
The historic preservation of cemeteries and burial grounds is an aspect within the discipline of historic preservation that is unknown to many. Those whose responsibility is the care of these historic sites may be unfamiliar with appropriate approaches to such areas as documentation, planning, maintenance, and conservation. Unwitting personnel can do irreparable harm to these important cultural resources. The Primer is an effort to protect historic cultural resources by breaching the gap between maintenance staff, cemetery boards, friends’ groups, and graveyard preservation professionals by offering readily available, responsible information regarding graveyard protection and preservation. It is also designed to assist those who would undertake a preservation project in the reclaiming of a neglected or abandoned historic cemetery.
The book is generously illustrated with diagrams and photos illustrating procedures and grave marker and graveyard forms, styles, and materials. The appendix section is completely updated and expanded, offering a worthwhile resource in itself.
Editorial Review: Educators and enthusiasts interested in graveyards and graveyard preservation will appreciate this surprisingly comprehensive text. Strangstad makes a convincing case in her opening chapter on the historical, sociological, and artistic value in preserving these early cemeteries. Subsequent chapters offer extensive information and resources for preservation efforts, including organizational, ethical, and conversation issues. (Omega - Journal of Death and Dying)
An excellent tool for those working to restore and/or preserve cemeteries whether a small family project or a larger more involved project. This book should be considered a necessary reference guide for anyone contemplating a cemetery restoration project since many problems are addressed. (Linda Kennedy)
Lynette Strangstad's A Graveyard Preservation Primer set the standard for the field of cemetery studies twenty-five years ago. Her information about conservation techniques was essential for those of us who sought guidance in this new discipline. The second edition of the Primer provides material regarding preservation technologies that have been recently introduced, and also addresses the myriad new methods for documentation of historic burial sites. The development of GPS, computer programs and digital photography have advanced the accuracy and efficiency of survey and recordation -- and as usual, Strangstad leads the way in telling us how to do it. (Sharyn Thompson, The Center for Historic Cemeteries Preservation)
Anyone interested in the restoration and preservation of historic burial grounds will enthusiastically welcome this greatly expanded and updated edition of Lynette Stangstad's classic Primer – an indispensable resource in harmony with 21st Century technology and scholarship. (Richard Meyer, author of Ethnicity and the American Cemetery)
The Cemetery Hand Book: A Manual of Useful Information on Cemetery Development & Management
Paperback: 616 pages
Publisher: University of Michigan Library (April 27, 2009)
Language: English
ASIN: B002MAR4M8
Grave Intentions: A Comprehensive Guide to Preserving Historic Cemeteries in Georgia
Christine Van Voorhies (Author)
Paperback: 98 pages
Publisher: Historic Chattahoochee; 1 edition (April 1, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0945477155
ISBN-13: 978-0945477150
Cemetery research
Nancy Ellen Carlberg
Unknown Binding: 72 pages
Publisher: Carlberg Press (2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 094487844X
ISBN-13: 978-0944878446
Michigan Historic Cemetery Preservation Manual Paperback
Paperback (pdf copy available on website listed below)
Publisher: Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0975547402
ISBN-13: 978-0975547403
Description: In 1997 the author joined the Canton Township Parks Division and within two years he found himself in charge of maintenance and preservation efforts at the township's three historic cemeteries. Looking for local contractors to aid in his work, he soon realized there were almost as many opinions and methods as there were contractors. Realizing a need for a local, comprehensive and historically accurate source of historic cemetery conservation methods, he began the task of researching, and synthesizing available information. This manual is the result of his years of investigation.
Grave concerns: A preservation manual for historic cemeteries in Arkansas
Unknown Binding
Publisher: Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (2000)
Language: English
ASIN: B00069WPB2
South Carolina's Historic Cemeteries: A Preservation Handbook
Paperback: 56 pages
Publisher: BiblioGov (July 26, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1249208041
ISBN-13: 978-1249208044
Description: This handbook describes the different types of cemeteries and gravestones and their historical context, sets out guidelines for planning and carrying out a cemetery preservation project, cites the laws protecting historic cemeteries, and lists additional sources.
God's Acre Beautiful; Or, the Cemeteries of the Future
Hardcover: 156 pages
Publisher: Palala Press (September 2, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1341160807
ISBN-13: 978-1341160806
Description: This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive.
A Handbook of Historic Cemetery Recovery
Paperback: 58 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (November 1, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1540449254
ISBN-13: 978-1540449252
Description: While serving as deputy sheriff in San Mateo County, California, John G. Edmonds (PsyD,MPA) observed the vandalized decay of Redwood City's historic Union Cemetery and decided to do something about it. As a result, the cemetery was soon restored to magnificence, and he has authored this handbook to encourage and guide similar restorations wherever they're needed.
Mountain View Memorial Handbook: Caring for the Pioneer Graves until Judgment Day (and Beyond)
Paperback: 201 pages
Publisher: Independently published (September 11, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1719937494
ISBN-13: 978-1719937498
Description: Caring for a historic Pioneer Cemetery in Oregon. In addition to instructions on grave digging, gardening, and compliance with death care industry rules and regulations, there are short stories based on the care taker's twenty years of experience.
Handbook for Idaho cemetery maintenance district officials (Handbook for Idaho district officials)
Series: Handbook for Idaho district officials
Unknown Binding: 24 pages
Publisher: Bureau of Public Affairs Research, University of Idaho (1972)
Language: English
ASIN: B000731RH0
Florida's Historic Cemeteries: A Preservation Handbook
Unknown Binding: 49 pages
Publisher: Historic Tallahassee Preservation Board (1989)
Language: English
ASIN: B00071VCWC
Description: Guide to Florida's Historic Cemeteries by Historic Tallahassee Preservation Board; Florida Department of State
On the Laying Out, Planting, and Managing of Cemeteries, and on the Improvement of Churchyards
John Claudius Loudon
1843
Modern Park Cemeteries
Howard Evarts Weed
1912
In Reverence: A Plan for the Preservation of Tolomato Cemetery, St. Augustine, Florida
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: lulu.com (January 20, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0557864526
ISBN-13: 978-0557864522
Description: Tolomato Cemetery is the oldest remaining cemetery in St. Augustine, Florida. It was founded in an era when the grim and grey church graveyard was the cultural norm in the North American colonies. In an act of compassion for a group of unfortunate Catholic refugees in British East Florida, the cemetery was established on the site of an abandoned Franciscan mission, where it remained active through the end of the 19th century. After a century of neglect, it now faces complex material conservation issues and a lack of public involvement in its care and interpretation. It sits silently locked within its gates, unable to share its own stories of St. Augustine's rich history. This book explores how the site evolved over the centuries into its present state and what can be done to ensure its survival and return to a place of prominence among the cultural resources of one of America's oldest cities. "In Reverence" was written as a graduate thesis at Cornell University in 2009 and has been revised for publication.
Preservation Guidelines for Municipally Owned Historic Burial Grounds and Cemeteries
Paperback
Publisher: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management (2000)
Language: English
ASIN: B0023TJEK8
Description: The historic burial grounds and cemeteries of Massachusetts are vital elements of the Commonwealth's cultural heritage. They are often the oldest surviving remnants from the early years of a community and represent important social, historic, architectural, and archaeological artifacts. In addition to their historic value, many of these significant cultural landscapes must also meet contemporary needs. Burial grounds and cemeteries are important public spaces with a vital link to the past. These sites tell a story of evolving burial and mourning practices, from the bleak Puritan graveyards to the richly ornamented rural cemeteries of the 19th century. When little else may remain intact from the beginnings of a city or town, the burial ground with its stone walls, mature trees, and dirt paths can often evoke the early history of a community. As open space becomes more and more scarce and undeveloped land is increasing used for other purposes, burial grounds and cemeteries remain places for solitude, contemplation, and reflection. Preservation Guidelines for Municipally Owned Historic Burial Grounds and Cemeteries is a report summarizing the findings of the Massachusetts Cemetery Preservation Initiative, a unique technical assistance project undertaken as part of the Department of Environmental Management's Historic Landscape Preservation Grant Program during 1999-2000. These Guidelines will provide an invaluable resource for the stewards of historic cemeteries and burial grounds throughout the Commonwealth and reflect persistent efforts to preserve and protect the full range of landscape resources that define the unique character of each of our communities.
The Cemetery Book: Cemetery preservation, restoration & recording
Ted O. Brooke
Unknown Binding: 64 pages
Publisher: Georgia Genealogical Society; 1st edition (1989)
Language: English
ASIN: B0006ES8O0
Guide to Cemetery Preservation
Sharon Irby
Paperback
Publisher: Ohio Geneological Society (June 1, 1988)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 093505751X
ISBN-13: 978-0935057515
Mapping & Documenting Cemeteries
Pamela Goffinet
Paperback: 100 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 2d ed. (November 9, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 149289348X
ISBN-13: 978-1492893486
Description: Second Edition: This is a practical how-to book that guides the reader through the process of mapping and documenting a cemetery with easily available tools and basic skills. Included are instructions on creating a map, gathering an inscription database, and assembling a spreadsheet of related information, such as from deeds. Lots of illustrations and easy to understand. Written by a professional cartographer, this book is a must for historians, genealogists, or anyone interested in preserving the information found in cemeteries.
Websites
How to Preserve Historic Cemeteries and Burial Grounds
National Trust for Historic Preservation
https://savingplaces.org/stories/how-to-preserve-historic-cemeteries-and-burial-grounds#.XepzB697mUk
Preservation of Historical Cemeteries in Selected Countries
Library of Congress
https://www.loc.gov/law/help/historical-cemeteries/index.php
Preserving Grave Markers in Historic Cemeteries
National Park Service
https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/48-preserving-grave-markers.htm
Cemetery Preservation
Ohio History Connection
https://www.ohiohistory.org/preserve/state-historic-preservation-office/hplocal/cemetery-preservation
Cemetery Preservation
National Preservation Institute
https://www.npi.org/seminars/curation-conservation-and-stewardship/cemetery-preservation
Cemetery Preservation
Chicora Foundation
http://chicora.org/cemetery-preservation.html
Guidelines for Preservation Planning for Historic Burial Grounds and Cemeteries
Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/portal/communities/cemetery-preservation/preservation/index.html
Cemetery Preservation
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
https://www.in.gov/dnr/historic/3744.htm
Michigan Historic Cemeteries Preservation Guide (pdf copy of book listed above)
State of Michigan
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/hal_mhc_shpo_Cemetery_Guide_105082_7.pdf
Saving Graves
Cemetery Preservation Alliancehttps://www.savinggraves.net/
State Association for the Preservation of Iowa Cemeteries
http://sapiciowa.org/
Cemetery Preservation Guidance
Washington Dept. of Archaeology + Historic Preservation
https://dahp.wa.gov/archaeology/cemeteries/cemetery-preservation-guidance
Links to resources on cemetery history and preservation
Lawrence Kestenbaum
https://potifos.com/cemeteries.html
Help for Cemeteries
Kentucky Heritage Council
https://heritage.ky.gov/historic-places/Pages/cemeteries.aspx
Known Cemetery Submission Form
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/f6e8d38993154e0caf9dc5fe990a4116?portalUrl=https://KS-SHIP.maps.arcgis.com