Nancy:
First, I prefer we dispense with the term "abandoned cemetery." As long as there are dead people there, they are doing their intended job. Abandoned is a word often used in justifying removal of a cemetery.
The problem we run into with cemetery restoration is in keeping them restored. That requires a plan and money, preferably in the form of an administered endowed fund that will generate at least 10 percent per year (not talking interest here, but investment, and not in a mutual fund) to cover the anticipated costs of summer mowing and occasional limbing and tree removal. Falling tree limbs are the principal hazzard to monuments in the Eastern US.
For a township or county, a network of non-profit organizations, each responsible for the administration of one or more cemeteries, coordinated by a central entity may be ideal. Local historical and genealogical societies would be best and their participation could even promote membership in their respective organizations.
I'd forgo geophysics and focus on mapping extant stones and fossae/mounds, and work on monument repair and resetting.
Jim
 
 
 
James G. Gibb

Gibb Archaeological Consulting

2554 Carrollton Road

Annapolis, Maryland USA �� 21403

443.482.9593 (Land) 410.693.3847 (Cell)

www.gibbarchaeology.net � www.porttobacco.blogspot.com
 
On 08/24/15, Nancy Dickinson<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
 
I am involved with a committee that is beginning to look into maintaining local abandoned and/or neglected burying grounds and cemeteries in a town founded in 1640. Is there some protocol or a way to prioritize maintenance concerns? 
So far, there is a professionally-prepared survey with metes and bounds, also noting headstone and present-day vegetation locations. Immediate concerns include fallen headstones, absence of fences as well as presence of trees and shrubs. Public/private partnerships are being looked into for funding and maintenance purposes.


All advice is welcome.

Thanks,
Nancy


Nancy Dickinson
Conservation Commission member
Town of Greenwich, Connecticut

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