Historic Cemeteries

Historic Cemeteries bring a unique assortment of preservation and planning needs.

Preservation

We work with conservators to conduct condition assessments of headstones, monitor changes over time, and create sustainable conservation plans.

Mapping

Effective cemetery management requires accurate and up to date mapping of plots, monuments, pathways, and utilities.  ACME can work from paper maps or field survey to produce a useful and dynamic digital map of your cemetery.

Relocation

When graves or whole cemeteries must be moved in advance of construction we can help.

Unmarked Burial Identification

We work with archaeological remote sensing specialists to identify unmarked burials before you start digging. Using a battery of non-invasive techniques (including Ground Penetrating Radar - GPR, magnetometry, resistivity, and magnetic susceptibility) we can more efficiently identify unmarked burials and delineate cemetery boundaries. This information allows project planners to make informed choices on how best to move forward with construction, development, and preservation.

Unanticipated Discoveries

In the historic Northeast unanticipated discoveries of human remains happen. Forgotten family plots, abandoned institutional cemeteries, and Native American graveyards are found across the landscape. ACME can help to determine the date of the burials, delineate the extent of the graveyard, contact descent communities, and determine if preservation or relocation is the best option.

Community Engagement

ACME can work with historic records and genealogical databases to contact descent communities and living relatives before work takes place, keeping them informed and making sure the process is sensitive to their cultural needs.