Historic cemeteries are irreplaceable landscapes. Many of the historic cemeteries in our country have been neglected for decades. Some are more endangered than others. Those that have suffered the most disintegration are the rural community and family sites. For every known rural burial ground, there are at least five that have been forgotten from our collective consciousness.

The plight of these sites can be contributed to a number of factors such as abandonment, apathy,
encroachment, environmental factors, vandalism and theft.

Perhaps the most influential factor is the change in the rituals associated with burying our dead. Not so long ago, it was the family, friends and members of the community that would perform the activities associated with death. From building the coffin to digging the grave, death was dealt with on a personal basis. The deceased were acknowledged long after they had passed from this earth through events such as Decoration Day and cleanup day, a time when family reunited to remember the past and honor their dead.
As the funeral industry developed, the role of the family changed from being all encompassing to becoming mere visitors at the final rites.

Once the body is in the ground, many family members and friends will say their final good-byes, only to return when it is time to bury another loved one. As we moved away from a personal role in the care of our deceased loved ones, hired personnel have been in charge of cleaning cemeteries. Instead of the individual caring for the family plot with the use of hand tools and manual labor weedeaters, insecticides and lawnmowers have taken their place. These modern machines and chemicals have caused stone damage and the removal of footstones and fencing, all in the name of saving time.

Technological advancements have left rural cemeteries in dire straits. Improved transportation and changes in economic pursuits have accelerated the decline and loss of many burial grounds from our small communities. Today, with the transient nature of our culture and the lack of economic opportunities for the young in rural areas, many have moved far away from their home. With no one left to look after the resting places of the dead, nature has reclaimed her ground or farmers and developers have decided that the land is better suited for the living.
Left abandoned and uncared for, the living have begun to encroach upon these sites for present day needs.

Grave Concern is here to help.
For further information, please contact us.