Montgomery County Cemetery Inventory Project

The Montgomery County Cemetery Inventory Project was led by Peerless Rockville, co-sponsored by Historic Takoma and the Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites, and funded over three years with grants from the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). These small grants were matched largely by dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who identified, researched, photographed, and field surveyed all known historic cemeteries in Montgomery County.

 The inventory project resulted from the frustrations and in some cases long-term efforts of people concerned about specific cemeteries. With guidance from the Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites, an informal Montgomery County Cemetery Coalition met and agreed that the first step is documentation. By creating a baseline of information, decision-making can be informed, actions can be taken and policies developed – all with the goal of protecting the County’s historic cemeteries.

 As of December 2007, a total of 269 cemeteries were surveyed, even if the graves had been moved or the site could not be located. The cemeteries differ in terms of origin and association, ownership, setting and condition, and they range in size from tiny parcels to tens of acres.

 The inventory consists of 5 interrelated parts:

·        Microsoft Access database

·        GIS map

·        Digital photographs

·        Printed inventory forms (in a three ring binder)

·        Paper file for each cemetery

The binder and paper files may be reviewed at the library of the Montgomery County Historical Society, which is open Tuesday-Sunday (301-340-2974). 

 A detailed final project report recommended the following: 

* outreach to cemetery owners and the public with information and technical advice

* creation of a cemetery board, which would serve the Planning Board, HPC, and/or County Council in an advisory capacity on matters involving historic cemeteries

* creation of a cemetery register, listing the most significant cemeteries and establishing criteria for registration.

* maintaining a Cemetery Preservation Watch List, which includes threatened cemeteries at risk of disappearing due to abandonment, neglect, or vandalism

* sponsoring public workshops on matters related to historic cemeteries

While the inventory has been reviewed by local historians and cemetery experts for accuracy and completeness, corrections and additional information are welcome at any time. If you are interested in this important topic, or have information or time to assist in any way, please contact Peerless Rockville at 301-762-0096.

Read about Higgins Cemetery