Author: futurecemetery

Throughout history, wealthy or influential Christians were generally interred inside a church after they died. Lesser congregants were buried outside in the churchyard, which is where the name graveyard comes from.

Rules regarding headstones are often more strict in graveyards. They may require that inscriptions be more subdued or that the headstone is made of stone or granite.

What is a Graveyard?

A graveyard is a place where people are buried after their death. It is typically located on church grounds and often only allows members of the same religion to be buried there.

In the past, graveyards were often surrounded by yew trees, which were believed to help keep evil spirits away from the dead. In addition, a graveyard was often close to the church, which made it easier for people to visit and remember their loved ones.

Over time, as populations grew and churches became more crowded, graveyards began to become obsolete and independent cemeteries were created. Today, the terms graveyard and cemetery are often used interchangeably, but the term graveyard is more traditionally associated with a church while a cemetery may be open to everyone regardless of their religion.

What is a Cemetery?

A cemetery is a place for burial. It may be owned by the government or privately held. It usually has a corresponding burial register with the name of each person buried and their plot number within the cemetery.

The location of the graveyard is determined by geography, religious beliefs and social attitudes. Sanitary concerns often influence the choice of location, e.g., the Romans and Jews preferred mass graves outside their cities, while Christians opted for churchyards.

Many churchyards have a limited amount of space. A person who wants to be buried in a churchyard needs to be either a member of that particular church or express a desire to be so upon their death. A churchyard also has strict rules regarding headstones, which must live up to Christian values and traditions.

What is the Difference Between a Graveyard and a Cemetery?

A cemetery and a graveyard have some differences, although modern usage makes them almost synonymous. In the past, a graveyard was generally affiliated with a church and therefore on church property while a cemetery was more of an umbrella term that could include either consecrated or non-consecrated land.

In the past, wealthy and important Christians were interred inside the church in crypts while lesser congregants were buried outside the church in the graveyard or churchyard. This meant that people could visit their departed family members easily as they went to church on Sundays.

While many people don’t know the difference between graveyard and cemetery, understanding the distinction can help to avoid confusion and misunderstandings. If you plan to be laid to rest in a graveyard, you can make sure that your next of kin understands the difference when you pass on your instructions.

What is the Difference Between a Churchyard and a Cemetery?

A graveyard and a cemetery are two terms that can often be used interchangeably. However, if linguistic precision is important, it’s helpful to understand the difference between the two. The term “graveyard” is older, dating back to Colonial era America, while the word “cemetery” is more modern and came into use in 1831 with the founding of Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

As a general rule, churchyards are on the grounds of a church. They were once filled with the graves of less wealthy congregants who were buried in crypts under the church floor or in a section of the churchyard. But as churches began to run out of space, independent sites known as cemeteries were formed to allow for more burials. Cemeteries are also typically much larger than churchyards and are not associated with a particular church.

What is the Difference Between a Cemetery and a Churchyard?

The difference between a graveyard and a cemetery is that a churchyard is associated with a specific church. It is generally on church grounds or in a building attached to the church. Cemeteries are generally not associated with a church and are often large spaces that serve more than one religion.

Traditionally, people who were buried in a churchyard were members of the church or expressed a desire to be buried there upon their death. This meant that they were Christians. Today, this is no longer necessarily the case.

The word cemetery came from the Old French cimetiere and is tied to Greek koimeterion, which means “a sleeping place.” It is a newer idea compared to churchyards but serves the same purpose. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but the distinctions between them are important.

Modern cemetery design focuses on a connection with families and communities. It offers options for every personality to be memorialized the way they want to be remembered.

Landscape design includes flowing mowing lines, lush plantings and trees with pleasant textures and scents that add character and beauty to the cemetery grounds. Ponds, natural or constructed, also serve as wildlife habitat.

Master Plan

Modern cemetery design demands more than just a place to lay a loved one to rest. It needs to be a vibrant celebration of family, history, and individuality integrated within a shared community. Incorporating all that requires a unique blend of sensitivity and practical know-how.

A solid master plan will identify short and long term needs for the site, guide implementation over time and provide a roadmap for future development. Our master planning process includes comprehensive analysis of site conditions (e.g. topography, drainage, climate, utilities, zoning and adjacent land uses) and an understanding of how a cemetery operates.

We account for burial types, cemetery facilities, office buildings, maintenance yards and other support structures to determine the most efficient use of available space. We also ensure all system piping is properly sized during the master plan phase to minimize both up front construction costs and future replacement costs down the road.

Headstones

Headstones are the most common form of a memorial for a deceased individual in a cemetery. These are erect pieces of stone that include the name, birth and death dates and sometimes epitaphs for the deceased person. They can also have a unique design or symbol for the deceased.

Many cemeteries have rules about the types of headstones they allow to keep a uniform look for the grounds. It’s important to know what these rules are before you shop for your headstone to avoid any confusion.

Another option is a monument, which is similar to a headstone but is larger and usually tells the story of a person through images and wording. These are usually made from granite, which is one of the most durable and long-lasting materials. Another popular material is bronze, which can be used for decorative purposes on the monument. These are usually shaped into various designs and sizes depending on the individual preference.

Interior Design

The interior design of a cemetery should be thoughtful and well-considered. A cemetery should be easy to navigate and accessible for people of all abilities. It should also be well-lit and have proper access to parking.

Cemeteries should incorporate natural features like water features, wooded hillsides and high points into the design. This can help with land use efficiency and create a more attractive landscape for visitors. It is important to work with natural systems and re-use landscape elements to minimize up-front costs.

Cemeteries should also consider re-using existing graves. This can be a difficult decision as it often requires contacting family members of those originally interred. However, it can be more cost-efficient and allow for greater flexibility when planning new burial space. Moreover, it can make the cemetery feel less like an industrial place and more like a unique public space. This is an excellent way to show that the cemetery is still an active part of the community.

Landscape Design

In the past, cemetery landscapes were “naked and desolate,” according to a landscape tastemaker in The Country Gentleman (1857). Modern cemeteries can become more than just a place for burial but a landscape that engages visitors.

The blending of cemetery design with landscaping can help to keep these historic landscapes resilient and ecologically sound. This is especially important for older cemeteries that need to generate revenue while also caring for their beloved landscapes.

The cemetery landscape must be a balance of hardscapes and softscapes, and must also be aesthetically pleasing to visitors. Small improvements like special water features, memorial furniture designs and directional signage that follows protocol are essential in creating a meaningful experience for mourners. The plantings must be adapted to the cemetery’s climate and soil conditions. Mourners often leave flowers on columbarium walls and the plantings must provide them with a suitable environment. Newer columbarium wall designs include metal clips or loops on the sides of each plaque to hold a single flower stem or small posy.

Choosing a Cemetery is a very personal decision. It has ramifications for the individual, next of kin, family and community of mourners. It must simultaneously honor the decedent and provide a dignified place for mourners to gather.

Perpetual care is a fundamental element of cemetery management. It requires careful planning.

Locations

As cities and towns grew, church-owned graveyards ran out of space. This led to the establishment of landscaped cemeteries away from city centers, which were usually operated as private or joint-stock companies independent from the churches that had formerly run them.

Cemeteries are dedicated areas of land that contain specific plot locations with clearly delineated boundaries. This makes them distinctly different from burial grounds which can be less structured and organized.

Modern cemeteries offer a variety of visitor services like genealogy information and flower placement programs. They also provide options for people who want to be buried in a columbarium wall or mausoleum instead of a grave. Many cemetery locations also offer virtual tours to loved ones unable to visit in person. These efforts have helped to improve the way we understand and manage our nation’s cemeteries.

Rules

In order to preserve a cemetery for future generations, New York requires that all cemetery sales and burial fees go into a managed Permanent Maintenance Fund. This fund grows significantly over time, and it is used to maintain the grounds once they are no longer selling lots.

Cemeteries also have the right to set reasonable rules and regulations regarding the type material, design, composition, finish and specifications of all merchandise that they or others install on their property. They are obligated to post these rules conspicuously and make them available for inspection. If a rule is found to be unreasonable, it can be invalidated.

Regulations

Modern cemeteries have a variety of fees and regulations associated with their operations. They typically charge a set fee for each lot purchased, a per-interment fee, and a perpetual care fund that provides ongoing maintenance of the cemetery grounds. These funds are a collection of individual contributions made by lots owners as well as part of the current lot sale receipts and $35 from every interment.

Regulations regarding the location of a cemetery are valid, as long as they do not impair the obligation of contract or violate constitutional guaranties of due process and equal protection of the laws. Re-use of graves on land that has been formally abandoned as a cemetery is permissible, but such practices are often controversial, and families who wish to object must usually prove that the re-use will not cause undue hardship.

Fees

A cemetery maintenance fee is a cost associated with the burial process. It can include things like a grave liner and vault, which are designed to keep the casket in place and prevent it from collapsing into the ground as it decomposes.

Other fees that can be associated with a cemetery include a foundation preparation fee, which covers the labor and expertise required to prepare the headstone for placement. A headstone installation fee is also often included.

In addition to burial and maintenance fees, cemeteries also have to maintain a perpetual care fund, which are monies collected from sales of cemetery plots, aboveground crypts or niches in mausoleums for ongoing cemetery expenses. This is a legal requirement in many states. These funds are managed through trusts supervised by the cemetery board.

Maintenance

Cemeteries must cover ongoing expenses like gravediggers, groundskeepers and security. They must also pay property taxes and other business fees. These expenses may be offset by the income from perpetual care funds.

Traditionally, cemetery management involves the allocation of burial space, digging and filling of graves, and maintenance of grounds and landscaping. Construction and maintenance of headstones and other grave monuments are usually the responsibility of families of the deceased.

Adding amenities to a cemetery can make it more attractive to visit and provide a better environment for grieving family members. For example, putting in trashcans and benches can help visitors feel more comfortable while visiting a loved one’s grave. Adding pathways can also make it easier for visitors to navigate the cemetery. It is important that a cemetery have these amenities in order to be safe and inviting for all visitors.

There’s a sense of peace that envelopes you while walking through Memorial Park. The park has miles of hiking trails, a native zoo and camp facilities.

A new book, Memorial Park, A Priceless Legacy (Herring Press) explains how this park came to be and who it honors. It’s a fascinating read.

The History of Memorial Park

The name Memorial Park has long evoked a sense of reverence and honor. And, it was with that in mind that a local resident proposed turning the former Army camp into a living memorial for the town’s service men and women.

The idea took hold and gained the support of Miss Ima Hogg – Houston’s famous benefactor – who served as watchdog for the park until her death. She helped fund the park and was instrumental in preventing development within its borders.

Today, the Park still stands as a living memorial. It’s a beautiful place to visit, whether it’s for a jog or picnic. It is home to one of the nation’s most popular jogging trails, the Seymour Lieberman Trail. It has been visited by national and international athletes, celebrities and ordinary citizens alike. And, it is the site of several monuments honoring the town’s service members, including a Gold Star Monument.

The Gold Star Monument

Gold Star Monuments honor the families of servicemen and women who died while serving their country. These black granite monuments have four back panels, each with a different theme: homeland, family, patriots and sacrifice. The local community has discretion on which scenes are etched into the panels to best reflect their values.

On Memorial Day, Naperville’s Gold Star Families unveiled their monument at Veterans Park. The dedication ceremony included the presentation of the colors, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem. There was also a speech from Lt. Gen. Mark Wise, a land blessing from a Native American labor leader and remarks from Congresswoman Carol Miller, Councilman Allison Longenbaugh and Mayor Stefanie Kifowit, who is a Marine veteran herself.

The monument in Lacey was the result of a combined effort by private citizens, city officials and two 501c3 non-profit organizations (the Woody Williams Foundation and the Major Brent Taylor Foundation). Individuals can purchase engraved bricks to be placed at the base of the statue in honor of their fallen loved ones.

The Vietnam War Monument

Unlike traditional memorials that honor specific images or objects, the Vietnam War Monument (VVM) is a series of polished black gabbro walls sunk into the ground. It lists the names of 58,000 servicemen who were either killed or missing in action during the conflict. Its form evokes veterans’ implicit feeling of abandonment and isolation while simultaneously promoting individual reflection.

When Maya Lin won the competition to design the memorial she was an undergraduate architecture student at Yale. As a result, when the design was unveiled there was backlash against both her and her style of memorialization.

The arrangement of the names on the wall reflects the progression of deaths during the conflict. This helps memorialize the entire experience of the war rather than focusing on just one person’s death. In addition, the placement of names is mirrored in visitors’ own reflections on the wall which connects them to those who were lost. As a result, the memorial acts as a kind of “secular pilgrimage” whereby people visit in order to mourn and to leave “artifacts of commemoration” (Lin 4). The VVM has also been visited by volunteer mourners and searchers who help visitors to the site.

The Bald Eagle Statue

A symbol of pride and strength, the bald eagle is a popular figure in many cultures. It is also associated with wisdom and knowledge. This majestic bird can be seen in many parks and nature reserves across the country. It is a beautiful addition to any home and can serve as a reminder to always strive for excellence.

A huge sculpture of a bald eagle, which was recently installed at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Seneca Falls, New York, commemorates a remarkable conservation success story. The massive steel sculpture was crafted by Rochester artist Jay Seaman and is 22 feet from wing tip to wing tip.

The statue is made of high-quality cast aluminum and then electroplated for added durability. It comes on a black museum mount and is suitable for indoor or outdoor display. The sculptor’s attention to detail makes this an impressive piece of aviary animal art. It is a perfect gift for any patriotic American or bird lover.

Some funeral directors enter into arrangements with certain religious groups, burial societies and memorial societies to provide their members with package funerals at special prices. If you offer such packages, you must still comply with the Rule.

You cannot condition the furnishing of any funeral good or service on the purchase of another. This includes cash advance items such as cemetery or crematory services; pallbearers; public transportation; clergy honoraria; flowers; musicians or singers; nurses; obituary notices and gratuities.

Burial

The Department regulates the business and practice of funeral directing for 1800 funeral firms, 4000 practitioners, and 90 registered residents (individuals in training) through Public Health Law section 3401, including licensing, inspections, investigation of consumer/provider complaints, and education and training. The Commission also sets the Funeral Rule, which requires all funeral providers to offer a General Price List, Casket Price List, Outer Burial Container Price List, and Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected.

Some funeral homes enter into agreements with groups or associations to offer their members special prices on funeral goods and services. If someone from one of these groups inquires in person about funeral arrangements, you must give them your price lists.

You must also give a GPL to consumers who want to modify funeral goods or services purchased under pre-need contracts. You must also give them a Casket Price List at the beginning of any discussion about caskets and an Outer Burial Container Price List before showing them containers.

Cremation

Cremation is the process of incineration that turns the body into ashes. Before cremation the remains are usually embalmed and placed in a coffin or casket for viewing or a funeral service. The casket is then moved to the crematory in a special trolley.

Before cremation a number of checks are carried out to ensure the identity of the body and that all paperwork is in order. The remains are then burned in the cremation chamber. The ashes can be buried in a grave or columbarium or scattered on private property. They can also be incorporated with concrete into a memorial statue or monument or mixed with paint for a portrait.

If you offer cremation services, you must include at least two package prices that describe the services and the outer burial container included in each price. You must also describe what is not included in each package price, such as the cost of a casket. You may also choose to list a basic services fee that is non-declinable and include in it any charges for overhead that you do not allocate to the other items on your GPL.

Home Funerals

The cost of a home funeral can be less than a traditional burial. However, it may still be more than some people can afford.

Consumers who want to avoid high costs should comparison shop. Many local family-run funeral homes offer lower prices than national chains. People can also save money by buying caskets and other funeral items on their own instead of through a funeral home.

A funeral provider must comply with the Funeral Rule by giving consumers accurate price information, including at least a basic services fee, removal and transfer of remains, embalming, other preparation of the body, caskets, funeral ceremonies, use of facilities and staff for viewing and ceremony, and memorial printing packages. The Rule requires providers to give consumers a General Price List (GPL) for them to keep at the beginning of the arrangements conference. The GPL must also include an Outer Burial Container Price List and a Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected.

Final Arrangements

When a loved one dies, grieving families face a multitude of decisions quickly and often under great emotional duress. Among the most important decisions is how to dispose of the body, whether to bury or cremate.

The Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to disclose the basic arrangements fee, which covers the availability of a director and staff to respond to an inquiry or a death call, arranging an arrangement conference, filing a copy of the death certificate, obtaining permits and copies of birth certificates, and sheltering the remains. This fee cannot be declined by a consumer and must be included in the total cost of a funeral.

In addition, the Rule requires funeral providers to give consumers a General Price List that itemizes the cost of all goods and services regularly offered. If the funeral home also sells caskets or outer burial containers, they must offer a Casket Price List and Outer Burial Container Price List.

Mortuary science is a career that may come with a stigma, but it involves more than just working with the dead. It also involves compassionate service workers and business management skills.

A morgue is a place in hospitals where bodies are stored temporarily until they can be autopsied or transported for disposition. It usually has refrigerated drawer-like compartments.

Career Opportunities

Mortuary science graduates have many opportunities for careers in the industry. They can find jobs at funeral homes and other service providers. These positions usually offer better pay and more advancement opportunities.

They can also start their own businesses in the death care industry. They can offer memorial services and other funeral services to people who have lost loved ones. They can also work as pre-need sales representatives or cemetery planners. They can also find jobs as monument engravers and manufacturers or funeral home product developers.

Some mortuary professionals enjoy the challenge of restoring bodies for burial or cremation. Others prefer to work with grieving families and help them plan celebrations of life. They can also find opportunities in other areas of the industry, such as merchandising and funeral home operations management. The industry is expanding, and more women and non-binary people are entering the profession. Many morticians enjoy their careers and are happy to work with the dead.

Requirements

There are several requirements for someone interested in a mortuary career. A high school diploma or GED certificate is a must, and an associate degree in mortuary science from an accredited program is required for those seeking licensure as either embalmer or funeral director.

A mortuary education includes courses on the psychology of grief, anatomy and the scientific processes behind preserving bodies. Students may also take courses that discuss the cultural and religious traditions associated with different kinds of funeral services.

Some people enter the funeral industry through apprenticeships or internships that provide hands-on training. Others enter via formal educational programs, such as mortuary science and funeral service degrees that are accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education or ABFSE. These programs typically include a combination of classroom and lab work. Some schools offer hybrid programs that let students complete part of their coursework online and reduce commuting times and expenses. Scholarships are available from funeral service organizations and other sources to help people afford mortuary education.

Work Environment

The work environment in a mortuary is not for everyone, and it can be emotionally stressful. Morticians must be able to deal with the emotions of the departed and their grieving loved ones. The job can also be physically exhausting. In addition, the hours can be irregular and on-call.

A mortuary is usually attached to a funeral home, and it is where the deceased are kept for identification and preparation for burial or cremation. It is different from a morgue, which is typically found in hospitals or medical examiners’ offices and where autopsies are performed.

Studies on funeral and mortuary workers are rare, but the results of one study suggest that there may be increased risk for occupational burnout among people working in this field. The findings also suggest that resources and health-promoting guidance strategies are needed for this occupational population. The study indicated that the most important psychosocial factors influencing burnout in the funeral and mortuary industry are supervisor incivility and negative spillover from the family workplace.

Emotional Challenges

As with any career that focuses on death and the deceased, morticians and funeral directors must be prepared to deal with some intense emotional challenges. They often interact with bereaved family members and view and manipulate corpses on a daily basis, which can lead to burnout symptoms.

Additionally, funeral and mortuary workers must cope with occupational stigma. According to one study, this stigma was able to increase both cynicism and emotional exhaustion.

Fortunately, there are some positive aspects of this unique career path. Mortuary students and graduates are able to make a meaningful impact on grieving families, and they can enjoy some unique work experiences that allow them to wear many different hats. No day is the same for a mortuary employee, and there are always new challenges and opportunities to tackle.

The death of a loved one often opens the door to many new discussions and decisions. This can include the choice of burial site.

The term graveyard is frequently used interchangeably with cemetery, but there are some key differences. This article will explore the differences between the two, as well as some of their etymology.

Definition

Many words associated with funerals and death have specific meanings that help clarify terms and procedures. Two such words are graveyard and cemetery. These two words may seem similar and can even be used interchangeably, but there is a difference between them.

During the Middle Ages, wealthy or important Christians were interred inside the church after they died, often in a crypt. Less wealthy congregants were buried outside in a section of the churchyard that became known as the graveyard. As populations increased and churchyards filled up, new burial grounds, unaffiliated with churches, were created and referred to as cemeteries.

This lack of religious affiliation allows people of all faiths to be buried in a cemetery, and there are also fewer restrictions regarding the headstones that can be used. Nevertheless, there are still some restrictions in place regarding re-using the graves of individuals who have been buried for decades because it can be difficult or impossible to locate living family members.

Location

In the past, a graveyard described a burial site that was affiliated with a church. Since churches often had a monopoly on this type of land, they were able to enforce strict regulations over the burial ceremony and processes, including the headstones used. Churches would discourage overly intricate and overt headstone inscriptions, so that the graveyard stayed true to Christian values and traditions.

However, as churches ran out of space to bury the people who died, new sites were established outside of church property and these became known as cemeteries. These were typically much larger and tended to have more natural landscapes.

This type of burial grounds also allow for re-use, though this is controversial as many families consider reusing their family’s grave to be a desecration. For this reason, natural burials usually don’t include headstones and instead rely on exact GPS recordings or the placement of a tree or bush to mark a grave.

Symbolism

There are many symbols commonly found on gravestones. Some have clear meanings while others require a bit of speculation. Symbols may be carved or written on the stone and represent anything that the person buried deemed important.

Among the most common are a cross or anchor, which symbolizes hope and steadfastness, respectively. An anchor may be used as a disguised cross, or it may be the tribune of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of seamen. Skulls, either winged or on their side, serve as memento mori, a reminder of mortality.

Hands carved on gravestones often show clasping, pointing, and praying. Flowers, such as roses and tulips, often symbolize love or beauty. Ivy, which may be fashioned into a wreath, is representative of friendship and fidelity. Oak leaves symbolize strength and victory. Willows, which droop like the grieving weeping willow, are associated with feminine deities and the moon. They are a symbol of remembrance and sorrow. The interlaced Celtic knot symbolizes resurrection and immortality.

Etymology

Many people use the terms graveyard and cemetery interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. A graveyard is a large ground that is used to bury the remains of dead people. A cemetery is a free-standing structure that contains the remains of people.

During the Middle Ages, wealthy and influential Christians were often interred inside of a church, typically in a crypt. However, less wealthy congregants were buried outside in a graveyard. Graveyards were often attached to a church and tend to be smaller due to land restrictions.

The word graveyard is derived from the Germanic word graban, meaning to dig. It is also related to the English words graf, grange and ditch. In addition, the word is cognate with the Latin term coemeterium or cimiterium. By the early 19th century, church graveyards were becoming full and independent sites called cemeteries began to rise in popularity as designated final resting places for those who did not want to be buried inside of a church.

Cemeteries need to think beyond a place to lay a grave. They need to be a vibrant celebration of life, family, history and individuality integrated into a shared community.

Rather than creating empty and homogenous expanses of graves, smart cemetery construction can avoid sunken markers and patchy turf. It takes an experienced team to understand the delicate nature of this type of project.

Master Plan

Modern cemetery design focuses on connecting with the community and providing options for every personality to be remembered the way they want to be. It encourages natural areas and works with the existing geographic assets on the property. It can include a wooded path dotted with engraved cremation rocks, plaques or benches for remembrance and quiet reflection.

The master plan is a comprehensive and strategic roadmap for the cemetery. It includes a review of the site with regards to topography, drainage, earthwork, vegetation, climate and other aspects of the property. It also includes a program statement including burial types and quantities, mausoleums, cremation needs, chapels, office buildings, parking, circulation and maintenance yards.

It should also consider the increasing demand for cremation interment and provide attractive places for this option. It is a good idea to review the master plan regularly, perhaps every 5 years. This will ensure that the cemetery is meeting the needs of its market and planning for future growth.

Landscape and Architecture

Modern cemetery design must think beyond a place to lay a grave; it must be a vibrant celebration of life, family, history, individuality and community, integrated within a shared urban space. This kind of thinking requires a particular skill set, one that includes an understanding of the needs of society and the landscape of the site.

A cemetery’s landscape should be beautiful and easy to navigate. Proper grading and drainage can prevent water from pooling and damaging the site, as well as make it easier for visitors to find their way around. The landscaping should also take into account the religious and cultural traditions of the community it serves.

Cremation gardens and estates require good design, rich materials, pleasant textures, and water features to be successful in a memorial park setting. These types of elements add interest and beauty to the landscape and help create a memorable experience for the families. Scenic vistas can be created by placing end terminuses such as a mausoleum or chapel at one end of the axis and an intermediate terminus such as a cremation garden with pavilion or a fountain at the other.

Accessibility

A cemetery is a very delicate space and it is important to provide access to those who come to visit. This can be done with thoughtful design cues, as well as through a comprehensive site mapping.

With an accurate map of the burial grounds, plots, monuments and headstones, a cemetery can plan for future needs more effectively. It also allows the administration to verify that all memorials meet specific guidelines in terms of construction and size.

Many cemeteries have established restrictions on the types of memorials that can be installed. These can include things like material type, color and language used in the inscription. These restrictions ensure that the memorials will be consistent with the rest of the cemetery and do not detract from the overall look or safety of a section. This also helps to prevent overcrowding.

Signage

When a cemetery is in use the provision of appropriate signage for all parts of the grounds is vital. This is to allow visitors to quickly and easily find graves or specific monuments as well as to provide them with helpful information about the Cemetery grounds.

Signage includes directional signs, identification signs and memorial plaques or bench markers. The design of the signage should be carefully considered to ensure that it fits into the overall Cemetery Design and does not distract from the memorials or the ambiance of the site.

Thick aluminum metal Cemetery signs are durable and resist vandalism. A laminated finish protects the surface of the sign and helps it to retain its good looks for a long time.

Cemetery is a plot of land that contains the remains of deceased people. Graves are marked with a headstone or marker that indicates who is buried there.

For many, cemeteries are a peaceful and tranquil place for reflection and connection with loved ones who have died. This space can also inspire a deeper awareness of our own mortality, encouraging introspection and a change in perspective.

Identifying Your Ancestors

The inscriptions on your ancestor’s tombstone can reveal more than just their birth and death dates. You can discover things like their branch of the military, religion and other interests through the symbols they chose to include on their headstone. It can also help break down brick walls in your research by connecting you with other relatives who are buried nearby.

If you haven’t already, explore online cemetery databases such as FindAGrave and BillionGraves. These websites are based on user submissions and may not contain complete information, but they can be useful for locating grave sites that aren’t listed elsewhere.

Make sure to examine a headstone from all angles, including the back and sides. If a stone has inscriptions on more than one side, tap the link icon to keep them together. You can also use this feature to connect photos of multiple family members who share the same headstone. This can be particularly helpful for obelisks and other multi-sided tombstones.

Locating Cemeteries

While there are several compilations of cemetery information, it’s important to visit the actual cemeteries to transcribe and photograph gravestones. Each cemetery has its own ownership structure, financial endowment plan and staff configuration. They can be public or private, religious or secular, for-profit or not-for-profit, and may also operate funeral homes.

Cemetery research can provide valuable insights on ethnic groups that lived in an area, lifestyles and historical events that occurred there. They can also reveal how poor or affluent the area was.

Before you head to the cemetery, start by searching online obituaries and visiting funeral homes (see classroom lesson Taking a Field Trip). You can also try published family histories. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, check directly with the cemetery sexton or front office staff. They may be able to provide you with maps of the cemetery, plots and their locations, or even offer some tips on locating the specific grave site of your ancestor.

Visiting Cemeteries

It is important to remember that a cemetery is not just a place of mourning but also a community space. There are specific rules and etiquette that should be followed to ensure a pleasant experience for all who visit the grounds. If you have children with you, it is a good idea to talk about these rules before your trip.

Most cemeteries have websites that outline their visiting hours and rules. You can also call the office and ask about these rules and regulations.

While you are in the cemetery, it is best to only walk on the paths that the cemetery has created for visitors to use. Doing so will help keep the cemetery clean, and it will allow you to focus more on paying your respects. When you are done with your visit, it is important to leave quickly so that other people can get in and out of the cemetery. It is also a good idea to leave a little bit early so that the cemetery is not overcrowded with visitors.

Taking Photos

When taking photos in a cemetery, it’s best to be respectful of those who are there to mourn. Avoid rubbing or scratching the stones or erecting structures on them (like an altar or trellis) unless you have the express permission of the family. Also avoid using techniques that alter the image of a gravestone or tomb, like infrared photography and extreme HDR processing.

A camera with a wide angle lens is essential for most cemetery shots, but a zoom can also come in handy. If the cemetery allows it, a drone can provide a unique perspective of the whole space.

Look for interesting details on the stone or a monument: texture, lichen and moss, carvings and text. Take a close shot of the inscription, and a distant one that shows the marker in relation to others in the cemetery. If the headstone is a family plot, note where other members of the family are buried as well.

Master planning helps a cemetery balance development costs with revenue and expand inventory based on need. It also provides a framework for demonstrating permanency to city planners and the public.

Grever & Ward prepares highly functional and attractive burial section plans based on contemporary needs for operational and maintenance economy. These are combined with attractive, salable product selections tailored to your known market.

Designing for the Future

Bidding our loved ones farewell is a highly personal and intimate moment. Cemetery design should be sensitive to these emotional experiences by providing spaces that are soothing and peaceful.

The new cemetery designs take advantage of the beauty of the landscape and provide unique opportunities for memorialization. The strong inclination to cremation allows for the interment of less space, allowing more of the property to be used for gardens and open spaces. The landscapes are replete with eye-opening beauty and offer places for meditation and inspiration.

It is also necessary to consider the long-term sustainability of a cemetery property. This is why it is recommended to have a master plan on the books for new and existing cemeteries, to establish management’s vision of how the site should function over time. The master plan can guide capital improvements and help anticipate future demand, ensuring that the cemetery will serve generations to come.

Designing for the Past

Cemeteries should be accessible to people with physical disabilities. This requires sidewalks and wheelchair-accessible paths throughout the property and adequate parking. It also means ensuring that the cemetery is well-lit and safe.

It’s also important to consider the impact of cemetery design on the environment and on the communities they serve. For example, planting trees that provide shade and nutrients can reduce upkeep costs and create a sense of place.

Finally, cemetery design should include the right mix of facilities and amenities that will appeal to the community. For example, burial plots with views or proximity to park features command premium prices and help increase revenues.

Designing for the Survivors

Cemeteries are a place for both the dead and the living. Designing a space that can accommodate the needs of both is the essence of cemetery design.

A well designed cemetery will also provide a sense of beauty and serenity that will attract both the living and the dead.

Good cemetery design is not only a way to make a graveyard look beautiful, but it also helps increase revenue. Cemetery plots near a memorial park feature or scenic landscape often command a premium over a standard lawn burial.

Involving the community in a cemetery master planning process is an important step. Not only does it add to the overall success of a project, but it will also allow the community to become involved with a monument or memorial that they will own for years to come. A successful master plan process will identify short and long term needs of a cemetery or mausoleum, develop a budget and phasing plan to work new projects into existing spaces.

Designing for the Community

A cemetery should be an important part of a community. It can be a place where families gather, where remembrances are celebrated and, ultimately, where a final farewell is bid. This is a delicate task that needs to be handled with care, respect and understanding.

Cemetery master planning can help to address issues that arise throughout the lifespan of a cemetery. For example, water drainage piping needs to be perfectly sized during the design phase to avoid high up front costs and future replacement costs.

A cemetery can also play a role in the community by being an attractive and accessible place to visit, providing a calming environment that can soothe the soul and offer a refuge from the busy world outside. The use of trees and plantings like birch trees, weeping willows and sugar maple can help to achieve this and promote wildlife on site as well.