Some of the most sacred sites in Maryland are in impending danger due to environmental factors as well as the passage of time. Through our intensive and impactful Six-to-Fix program, Preservation Maryland will work with the Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites to act on their mission to protect and preserving historic Maryland burial sites.
The Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites is a statewide non-profit organization of volunteers who believe that neglect or the willful desecration or destruction of burial sites is unacceptable in a civilized society, and through their members in each county, the organization works to:
- Facilitate the exchange of information among individuals and organizations concerned about the protection of Maryland burial sites.
- Increase public awareness of the historic and cultural significance of burial sites and the serious threats to them.
- Draft and gain passage of new laws to more effectively deal with criminal acts against burial sites and to establish effective uniform procedures for the protection and preservation of burials sites regardless of their age, cultural affiliation, or condition.
- Organize support for stronger laws in Maryland to protect burial sites, including Native American burials.
- Raise funds for statewide public education programs, focused on burial site protection, and to provide information and guidance to any government agency, group, organization, or individual interested in preserving burial sites.
GET INVOLVED
The Coalition recently developed a very useful, resource-heavy website, with the assistance of a Preservation Maryland Heritage Fund grant, that is a good start to understanding the laws that regulate burial sites and researching resources and methods for preservation. If you are interested in cemetery and burial site preservation, please sign-up as a Six-to-Fix volunteer to find out about upcoming education and volunteer oppprtunities.