On the heels of new Montgomery County legislation that supports the inventory and protection of the County’s burial sites, Montgomery Preservation, Inc, will kick-off a volunteer-led effort to update existing records across the County.
The current Cemetery Inventory is accessible online through Montgomery County Planning with additional information, in hard copy files, at the Montgomery County Historical Society Library in Rockville. Inventory entries are comprised of name, location, description, type of burial ground – family or religious – and further information as available. Entries are indexed by name and by location.
Starting in January 2018, Montgomery Preservation, Inc., will host several free training sessions to prepare volunteers to visit and update the records of more than 300 known cemeteries in Montgomery County. Volunteers will conduct research, take photographs, complete survey forms, transcribe inscriptions – all to inform update the digital documentation and conditions assessments held by the County.
This learning experience is open to all and is an opportunity to team with folks of all interests, backgrounds, and ages. Those interested in participating, should contact Montgomery Preservation, Inc.
SIX-TO-FIX RECAP
As part of our Six-to-Fix program, Preservation Maryland has worked closely with the Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites to address some of the common threats to Maryland’s cemeteries. Over the past year, together, the organizations have supported legislation, provided educational and training opportunities, and convened dozens of volunteers for a workday in Charles County.