President-Elect Suzanne presented the Children's Library Book to Commissioner Larry. He presented a series of slides from many of Rhode Island's historic cemeteries. He said, "Rhode Island is one of few states that has a Commission, a unique system for cemeteries with a central database." At their website, click on "database" and insert the last and first names of your deceased person, and you will find not only where they are located but also a picture of the tombstone and possibly an obituary. There are 3200 known cemeteries throughout RI's 39 cities and towns. Farm families had their own family plot and most were on their private property. Field stones were used because they were readily available and carvers not so much. Over time many of these private family plot have been lost, stones overturned, woodland growth covering up the family plots.
The Commission sees their task to identify and protect all cemeteries. "It is our hope to formulate and develop plans and programs to restore, rehabilitate and maintain historical cemeteries and locate sources of funds such as grant and individual or corporate sponsors."
"Volunteers needed to find cemeteries and get GPS readings - some responsibilities include taking pictures of gravestones, document cemeteries, research deeds, clean cemeteries, and adopt a cemetery." The Commission trains volunteers to properly clean and repair damaged gravestones. For more information, go to https://rihistoriccemeteries.org or call Larry at 860.485.6776
