ACPA - Alabama Cemetery Preservation Planning

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Alabama Historical Commission
Historic Cemetery Preservation Plan

When individuals or organizations undertake cemetery preservation, they often have some idea of what they want to accomplish. However, the task of preserving a cemetery can be overwhelming, making it hard to know how to begin the project. Creating a Cemetery Preservation Plan forces an individual or group to think about all the various aspects of the project and establish priorities, define involvement, and create a realistic work plan. The following outline provides general information on how to develop a preservation plan for cemeteries. If you have any questions, please contact Lee Anne Hewett, AHC Cemetery Program Coordinator at the Alabama Historical Commission at (334) 242-3184.

1.	Contact the Alabama Historical Commission for general information concerning our cemetery programs. Some information may have already been collected concerning a particular cemetery and this will prevent duplicating work.
2.	Contact the property owner about your desire to preserve the cemetery. Sometimes it is difficult, if not impossible, to find out who owns a cemetery, but talking to the owner beforehand can prevent problems in the future.
3.	Complete a survey of the cemetery. Through the survey you will document the types of gravestones in the cemetery and evaluate their condition. Then you can prioritize where to begin any repair or restoration work. The AHC can provide instructions and survey forms, as well as helpful hints for conducting a survey.
4.	If you want to list the cemetery on the Alabama Historical Cemetery Register, this is the time to begin the application. Survey forms and photographs will be needed.
5.	Organize a cemetery committee/determine involvement. If you do not own the cemetery, talk to a probate judge to appoint a committee on behalf of the cemetery. Establishing non-profit status is also recommended so your organization will be able to collect donations for restoration efforts.
6.	Contact the AHC for cemetery permit information. A permit is required for any type of work in a cemetery (75 years old or older), including general cleaning, cutting trees, installing fences, and restoration. A list of preservation professionals who do cemetery repairs is available.
7.	Determine your priorities and create a realistic work plan. Where is the area you wish to begin work on first? Many cemeteries are large and it can seem to be an impossible task if you try to complete all the needed work at one time.

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