Folks,
There are very few areas in North Carolina, or for that matter,
across the nation and world, that don't have cemeteries that are
threatened with neglect or destruction.
Cemeteries are, by their very nature, a window on our past. They
represent a tangible reminder of those who shaped the world we live in.
When we fail to protect the final resting places and the markers of
our ancestors, we are divorcing ourselves from the rich heritage that
brought us to where we are today.
Those of us who have the ability to erect a historical and/or
genealogical web page should certainly include a page to recognize
those cemeteries that are in peril of extinction. Mine can be found
at:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~nccatawb/cemetery.htm
In addition, we have a responsibility to remind state and local
officials of the NC General Statutes relating to cemeteries and interments:
http://www.ncdot.org/doh/PRECONSTRUCT/pe/ohe/archaeology/cemetery.html#gr...
1. The Register of Deeds in each of the 100 NC counties should have a
list of abandoned cemeteries. [G.S. 65-1].
If they don't, it is up to the general public and the County
Attorney to provide one.
2. The County Commissioners of the respective counties are *required*
to keep a list of abandoned cemeteries.[G.S. 65-2]
If there is no list, all interested parties should work to compile a list.
3. The List of Abandoned Cemeteries is to be sent to the NC Secretary
of State. [G.S. 65-3]
4. The county commissioners are also required to take control of all
abandoned public cemeteries and may appropriate whatever sums are
deemed necessary for their upkeep. Again, a list must be compiled
before that can be accomplished. [G.S. 65-3]
5. Should a List of Abandoned Cemeteries not exist, it should be up
to the County Attorney to implement such a list. That is where the
individual that is interested in preservation should contact the
County Attorney in their respective county.
6. The statutes also authorize municipal authorities to "assume
control of any abandoned cemeteries within their boundaries" and to
"use funds for improvement and maintenance." [G.S. 65-37 through G.S. 65-40]
Only with public interest in preserving these historic sites and
sacred grounds can anything be done to preserve them for posterity.
I urge all subscribers to RootsWeb lists, to all members of the
USGenWeb Project and to all genealogical and historical entities to
make this a priority project within their towns and counties. With
each passing day, housing and commercial developers are destroying
tombstones and graveyards. The penalty for disturbing the remains of
the dead is so small that some developers consider it a "cost of
doing business."
The first step in accomplishing these ambitious goals is to get the
attention of local officials.
Some local genealogical and historical societies and associations
have done a great deal to rescue some cemeteries from the brink of destruction.
Sadly, the greatest obstacle to this noble effort is the financial assistance.
Dues and grants to these entities can't always provide the necessary
funds for the necessary restoration.
In addition, once a cemetery has been reclaimed, funds must be
available for the necessary continued maintenance.
I am urging others in North Carolina to work together to stop further
destruction of these historic sites. Here are some efforts we can do:
* -Contact the appropriate local authorities above to get the ball rolling.
* -Contact your NC State Senator and Representative, urging them to
give attention to this matter, recommending that legislation be given
to increasing fines and punishment for graveyard desecration. While
your at it, urge them to support state funding for restoration and maintenance.
* -Write editorial letters to local media urging citizens to refocus
attitudes in favor of historic preservation.
We can sit here all day and agree to agree but unless we enlist those
outside our focus circle, nothing will ever be done.
Derick S. Hartshorn
NCGenWeb County Coodinator
Member-Assn. for Gravestone Studies