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We are frequently asked about sample forms
for cemetery research. Here are several -- as pdfs -- that we hope will be of
use.
Recording Cemetery
Locations
It is critical that you accurately record
the precise location of any cemetery you identify. Using directions like "go
down Smith Road for about a half mile and turn at the old red barn" fail to
provide the locational information necessary to help ensure the long-term
preservation a cemetery. Using a form and consistently recording information
will ensure that you get the right information for every cemetery you record.
This information may also be used to develop county-wide data bases, perhaps as
a layer in your county's GIS or perhaps through the state-wide agency that
records archaeological sites.
This
form allows you to standardize the information you collect.
Assessing the Condition
of Cemeteries
Another form is an
inspection checklist that we have found useful in quick, county-wide
reconnaissance studies when the focus is on the condition of cemeteries (it's
adapted from one used in 2002 by the State of Hawaii).
Recording Individual
Markers or Monuments
One of the most important records for
cemetery work is that of the individual markers -- you must have a complete
record of the stones, fences, coping, and other features at the cemetery -- as
well as their conditions. It is also critical that this information be collected
in a consistent, uniform fashion. To help you with these efforts, we have
attached two files. One is a form that we use here at Chicora to
record individual markers
or monuments. Another form is used to
record family plots. We also
have a sheet that identifies the most common
types of
markers, ensuring that everyone on the team uses the same terminology. We
have recently added a more extensive
identification
sheet that includes not only monuments, but also fences, coping, and other
cemetery features -- it will be especially helpful if you are recording a very
large cemetery. Of course
every cemetery is different, so you may need to change these to make them
appropriate for your cemetery, but this will give you a start.
Monument Fragment and
Removal Record
Many cemeteries are faced with damaged,
fallen, or spalling monuments. Too often fragments are simply allowed to remain
in the cemetery where they are subject to additional damage or even theft. While
gathering and storing these fragments until professional conservation treatments
are possible, it is very important to document the process: where was the
fragment found, how was it discovered, and where is it being stored.
This form
helps
ensure that all of the critical information is collected and not lost.
Cemetery Vandalism Form
Vandalism is an all too common occurrence.
This incident form will help document the
process and keep track of the problem. It is not intended to replace law
enforcement incident reports, but rather to provide an internal tool.
Determining the Height of Tall Monuments with a Clinometer
At times you won't be able to
easily measure the height of an obelisk or mausoleum. But there is an easy --
and realatively inexpensive -- way to get those measurements.
This form explains the process.
Cemetery
Disaster Assessment
This form has been prepared
by the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training for FEMA and
helps rapidly assess damage to cemeteries caused by tornadoes, flooding,
hurricanes, and other natural events.
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