[MassHistPres] Gravestones in local historic disctricts

[melanie deware]

All cemeteries, whether privately or publicly owned, are governed by MGL chapter 114 and have their own regulations.  These usually include language for shape/size/configuration of grave markers as well as a large number of other issues (plantings, access, etc.).  It would seem to me that a cemetery or any other property within a LHD would be subject to your guidelines.  

Historic gravestones themselves are enormously important in the stories they can tell about society, the economy, class issues, political sentiment, etc. at the they were erected.  Surely protecting them as is, and preventing them from being surrounded by grossly inappropriate newer ones, should be a goal.

 

Melanie Deware

Clerk, Easton Cemetery Commission

Chair, Easton Historical Commission


 
> From: jfeist at charter.net
> To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
> Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2010 07:09:33 -0400
> Subject: [MassHistPres] Gravestones in local historic disctricts
> 
> Here's another cemetery jurisdiction question.
> 
> If a cemetery is in a LHD and it is visible from a public byway, could 
> a HDC really have a say every time a new grave marker was put in?
> 
> On one hand, this seems a little ridiculous. On the other hand, if 
> someone wants a large orange fiberglass mausoleum, where is the law 
> that says they can or cannot do that?
> 
> Do cemeteries have design guidelines or legal parameters for how their 
> markers can look? And is it different for active cemeteries vs. closed 
> historical cemeteries?
> 
> --Jonathan
> 
> ================================
> Jonathan Feist
> jfeist at charter.net • 978-772-4864
> Blog: Delights and Processes http://blogs.townonline.com/delight/
> Writing about Music http://jonathanfeist.berkleemusicblogs.com/
> 
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