| First steps for historic cemeteries |
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| Begin With Some Groundwork |
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- Verify ownership of the cemetery if possible. Obtain permission from owners of surrounding land if the cemetery is landlocked.
- Consider how much you can realistically accomplish.
- Remember the motto of all preservation projects: Do no harm!
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| Study The Site |
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- Explore the cemetery thoroughly before beginning any work. Cut plant growth as little as possible at this stage.
- Sketch a map of the locations of each marker and any marker fragments.
- Map any depression in the soil that may indicate the location of a grave.
- Sketch in the location of trees, shrubbery, etc., and indicate any pathways or roads, gates, fences, etc. Traditional plants, fences, etc., are an integral part of this historic site.
- As you begin to remove unwanted weeds and brush, watch carefully for small metal grave markers or toppled stones that may be hidden by plant growth. Add them to your map.
- Don't discard gravestone fragments or unreadable markers. They can provide valuable information for researchers. Mark each one clearly on your map and leave it in place as you found it. (Some experts recommend that fragments be buried where found for future restoration, but unless a cemetery has "friends" and regular care, this may not be advisable.)
- Photograph the cemetery as it is. Mark the camera locations on your map for future reference. If possible, provide copies of the photos and map to your local historical society for safekeeping or to the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries, 725 Summer Street NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301.
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| Gather Information |
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- Learn about care of old grave markers. Many broken or toppled markers can be repaired and reset if proper materials and techniques are used.
- Learn how to identify types of stone used for grave markers in your region and how to care for them.
- Identify plants in the graveyard. Learn which ones might be native or old varieties of shrubbery, roses, and perennials still surviving there. Leave them in place.
- Identify heritage trees, too. They all are a living part of this museum; mark them on your map.
- Note native wildlife and birds in the area. Your cemetery may provide essential habitat for them.
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| Begin Work |
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- Always use great care as you work in any old cemetery. Gravestones are heavy and can topple. Some stones might be upright but not anchored in any way to a base.
- Trim grass and weeds around markers and curbs with hand shears.
- Use great care as you remove weeds and invasive plants such as brambles, additional graves and markers may be hidden among them.
- Research the proper methods of cleaning stones. (Consider some lichens and mosses as a natural part of your outdoor museum.)
- Seek advice from experts on appropriate repair of stones and markers. Consider old markers as historic artifacts worthy of your gentle handling.
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| A Few "Don'ts" |
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- Never clean gravestones or markers with bleach, wire brushes, or any harsh or abrasive material. Power washing or sandblasting old grave markers can do great damage.
- Don't risk damage to soft stone by cutting close with weed eaters or power mowers. Never drive a power mower or riding mover over fallen stones or markers, or over sunken areas that might indicate gravesites.
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| Consider The Future |
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- Photograph your progress and re-map the cemetery when you have finished the cleanup. Make an extra notebook with photographs and maps for your local library or historical society.
- Let local authorities and the media know about your project and invite them to tour the cemetery with you and see the results of your work.
- Register "your" historic cemetery with the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries.
- Help enlist local volunteers for the long term care of your cemetery.
- Join a cemetery preservation organization and keep learning.
And please remember…do no harm; when in doubt, ask an expert; enjoy your project!
"Old cemeteries are a record of Oregon history. They exist in our time as outdoor museums; an expression of a particular period of history and of the people who lived it."
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