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What are cemetery tags?

Cemetery tags provide information about a cemetery's condition, type and present status.

Tag Explanations

Condition

Conditions describe the overall care of the cemetery at the time of recording. Unlike Status, Condition describe more of the cleanliness and upkeep rather than accessibility.
  1. Well-Maintained
    The burial ground is regularly cared for, with efforts made to keep it clean, manicured, and in good repair.
  2. Fair
    The burial ground is generally in an acceptable state, although it may show signs of mild neglect or deterioration that require attention.
  3. Neglected
    The burial ground has not received adequate maintenance, leading to visible signs of decay, such as overgrown vegetation, broken gravestones, or litter.
  4. Abandoned
    The burial ground has been left without care or attention for an extended period, resulting in significant deterioration and disrepair.
  5. Overgrown
    Vegetation, such as grass, weeds, or trees, has grown unchecked, obscuring gravesites and pathways within the burial ground.
  6. Vandalized
    The burial ground has been intentionally damaged or defaced, either through graffiti, destruction of gravestones, or other acts of vandalism.
  7. Damaged
    The burial ground has sustained physical harm, such as from natural disasters, erosion, or accidental causes, affecting its overall condition.
  8. Restored
    Efforts have been made to repair and rehabilitate the burial ground, returning it to a state of good condition and preservation.
  9. Undergoing Restoration
    Restoration work is currently in progress to address issues of neglect, damage, or deterioration within the burial ground.
  10. Unknown
    Insufficient information is available to determine the current condition of the burial ground.

Status

Status describes the state of visitation for a cemetery. It determines whether the cemetery is open to the public and what might prevent others from visiting it in the future.
  1. Active
    The burial ground is currently in use for new burials and is regularly maintained.
  2. Inactive
    This status indicates that the burial ground is no longer actively being used for burials. However, it may still be maintained or occasionally visited for historical or cultural reasons. The land is not being repurposed for other uses.
  3. Disused
    A disused burial ground suggests that it was previously utilized for burials but has since fallen out of use. Unlike an inactive cemetery, a disused one may show signs of neglect or lack of maintenance. It may be overgrown or abandoned, but there is no specific indication that it has been officially closed or repurposed.
  4. Closed
    A closed burial ground is one that has been officially designated as no longer accepting new burials. This status typically occurs when a cemetery reaches full capacity or when the land is repurposed for other uses. Closed cemeteries may vary in condition; some may be well-maintained, while others might be neglected or abandoned.
  5. Threatened
    The burial ground is at risk due to factors such as development, vandalism, neglect, or natural disasters.
  6. Preserved
    Efforts have been made to maintain and protect the burial ground's historical and cultural significance.
  7. Lost
    The burial ground's location is unknown or has been completely destroyed, making it inaccessible or irretrievable.
  8. Under Development
    Plans are underway to repurpose or develop the burial ground for other uses.
  9. Unknown
    Insufficient information is available to determine the current condition of the burial ground.

Cemetery Types

Types are simply designations for the types of graves each cemetery has. Cemeteries can specialize in burying people of different historic groups or limit their visitors.
  1. Public
    A cemetery owned and operated by a governmental or municipal authority, open to the general public for burials. It provides burial services to the community at large.
  2. Private
    A cemetery owned and managed by a private entity or organization, typically restricted to specific groups or families. Access is limited to members or designated individuals.
  3. Churchyard
    A burial ground associated with a church or religious institution, often located on church grounds. It reflects the religious affiliations and traditions of the congregation.
  4. Family
    A small burial ground reserved for a specific family or lineage, typically located on private property. It serves as a private resting place for family members over generations.
  5. Historic
    A burial ground of significant historical or cultural importance, often containing gravesites of notable individuals or communities. It is recognized for its heritage value and contributions to local history.
  6. Military
    A burial ground dedicated to the interment of military personnel, veterans, and their families. It honors the service and sacrifices of military members.
  7. Memorial Park
    A cemetery designed with landscaped grounds and features, emphasizing memorialization and remembrance. It provides a tranquil environment for reflection and commemoration.
  8. Slave Cemetery
    A burial ground specifically associated with enslaved individuals or communities. It acknowledges the historical significance of those who were enslaved and may symbolize their pursuit of freedom.
  9. Community Cemetery
    A burial ground used by a particular community or cultural group, reflecting their traditions and customs. It serves as a communal gathering place for burial rites and remembrance.
  10. Columbarium
    A structure or room with niches or compartments designed to hold urns containing cremated remains. It provides a dedicated space for the interment of cremated individuals within a cemetery setting.