|
Cemetery
Preservation
We expect cemeteries and grave markers to endure forever--but without
continuing care, they won't. Neglect, vandalism, weather and urban
encroachment are enemies of historic cemeteries, especially those for whom
a parent organization no longer exists. A parent organization could
be a church, a town, a ranch, a mining camp or even an institution such
as a prison or asylum.
Across the nation, volunteer groups are stepping
forward to 'adopt' these old cemeteries, restore their dignity and make
the information contained in their headstones available to the public.
As one of the few organizations in Arizona that was
founded specifically to preserve an historic cemetery, the Pioneers' Cemetery
Association, Inc. is often asked for advice about caring for old burial grounds.
To that end, the PCA has made the following documents available. They
were drafted by PCA member and archaeologist Dr. Cathy Johnson and are used
with her permission. Other organizations are encouraged to use them
as models.
|