Master Plan

Cemetery Preservation Course

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A Master Plan is a road map that shows us where the cemetery is and where it is going. Master plans may be quite simple or more complex and may include several sections. They should always be tailored to the needs of the individual cemetery and will develop and evolve over time.

Documents in a master plan may include:

• Documentation
• Condition surveys
• Conservation treatment plan
• Maintenance plan
• Emergency preparedness plan

A good place to start is with documentation of the conditions of the cemetery through the location or creation of a map, a written survey, and photographs. Information can be collected by trained volunteers or staff. It is important to put thought into deciding what information is important to the specific cemetery. Using a systematic approach to collecting the information is essential.

Written surveys may be collected on paper or using computers and PDA’s and databases. More advanced techniques may include using GPS systems and GIS databases.

Types of written surveys may include:

• Historical documentation (primary resources)
• Evaluation of safety issues
• Record of cemetery conditions
• Information for developing work specifications
• Information for developing cost estimates

One important tool for the written survey is the survey form. There are many survey forms available, NCPPT form can be found here. It is important to note that there is not a “onesize-fits-all” survey form. Again, you need to tailor your form to your informational needs.

Key first steps to creating the master plan are:

• Locate or create a map
• Create a plan of attack suitable for the size of your cemetery
• Accurately record descriptions
• Document conditions
• Photograph grave markers and monuments
• Organize information in a database
• Involve the community

Once documentation and condition assessment are completed, a conservation treatment plan may be created as part of the master plan.

• Involve professionals
• Identify conservation needs
• Emergency stabilization
• Safety
• Landscape stabilization
• Establish priorities
• Undertake field work

Maintenance Plan

It is important to prevent damage to cemeteries whenever possible. One way to minimize manmade threats is to create a maintenance plan within the master plan. Maintenance plans may specify:

• Day-to-day activities
• Mowing and equipment needs
• Weed removal
• Periodic maintenance
• Fertilizers and biocides
• Irrigation
• Long-term maintenance
• Regular inspection
• Education /training requirements

Emergency Preparedness Plan

It is also important to plan ahead for possible natural threats such as natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or fire. In order to be prepared an Emergency Preparedness Plan is another important part of the master plan.

Emergency Preparedness Plans should:

• Put personal safety first
• Include important contact information
• Identification of the team
• Provide step-by-step processes

Some first steps include:

• Documentation: recording the full extent of damage (See Appendix D for an example of a Rapid Condition Survey.)
• Structural Stabilization
• Initial cleaning and repair

Duration:

10 minutes, 10 seconds

This video is part of a series of presentations and media for people interested in learning about preservation techniques to stabilize the nation's historic grave sites. In this presentation, the Center's Chief of Materials Conservation, Mary Striegel, will discuss how to bring all the separate tasks together to develop a long-term plan for working in a grave site.