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Historic Sites:
Cemetery Preservation Guidance
Cemeteries are an important feature of Washington's diverse heritage. In addition to marking the final resting places of our ancestors, they yield information about our state's social, religious, artistic, and cultural heritage. They also contain genealogical information that cannot be found anywhere else.
Deterioration from natural forces such as weathering and uncontrolled vegetation and insensitive development threaten our historic cemeteries. The involvement of individuals and organizations with an interest and commitment to saving local history and culture is critical to protecting and preserving the state's historic cemeteries. The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) has compiled this information to aid local efforts. DAHP does not have funds for maintenance of historic cemeteries or legal authority to acquire cemeteries or enforce laws protecting cemeteries.
To learn more about Washington's cemeteries and caring for them visit these links below:
General Maintenance, Preservation and Documenation
- Saving Graves. A collaborative effort of cemetery preservation advocates working to increase public awareness and activism in preserving, protecting and restoring endangered and forgotten historic cemeteries worldwide.
- 9 tips for Cemetry Preservation. Quick overview of cemetry preservation issues.
- Washington Cemeteries. A directory of Cemeteries in Washington.
- Washington State Cemetery Association. the Washington State Cemetery Association was formed to research, protect, restore, and preserve old and abandoned cemeteries in the state, to maintain their history, and to provide education and awareness of old and abandoned cemeteries and their care to the public.
- Abandoned and Historic Cemeteries and Historic Graves (RCW 68.60)
- US Gen Web Tombstone Transcription Project. USGenWeb's Tombstone Transcription Project's Washington Tombstone Project has transcription records online for Washington state cemeteries
- Interment.com. Cemetery Transcription Library.
- The Association for Gravestone Studies. The Association for Gravestone Studies (AGS) was founded for the purpose of furthering the study and preservation of gravestones. AGS is an international organization with an interest in grave markers of all periods and styles. Through its publications, conferences, workshops and exhibits, AGS promotes the study of gravestones from historical and artistic perspectives, expands public awareness of the significance of historic grave markers, and encourages individuals and groups to record and preserve gravestones.
- Save Outdoor Sculpture. Save Outdoor Sculpture! is a private/public initiative to document all monuments and outdoor sculpture in the United States and to help communities and local groups of all ages and interests preserve their sculptural legacy for the next century.
- National Register Guidelines for Evaluating and Registering Cemeteries and Burial Places.
- Tombstone Art and Symbols. Directory of various types of tombstone art.
- Cemetery Art and Symbolism.
Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
1063 South Capitol Way, Suite 106
Olympia WA 98501
Phone: 360-586-3065
Fax: 360-586-3067