Cemetery Preservation Program

Cemeteries are unique cultural landscapes, revealing information about settlement patterns, historic events, religious beliefs, social customs, genealogy and much more. They serve as a directory of a community’s residents and reflect the unique population of an area as it evolves over time, giving a place character and definition. Unfortunately, many of our historic burial grounds are threatened by development, vandalism, neglect, poor preservation practices, and natural forces such as weathering and uncontrolled vegetation.

Join THC’s Cemetery Preservation Program staff for a presentation on what makes historic cemeteries significant, why they are at risk, and what steps you can take to help protect and preserve the cemeteries you care about most. The presentation will include a short walk-and-talk in the local cemetery to explore grave marker design, grave decoration, landscaping practices, and common preservation issues.

Two sessions will be held on Saturday, October 15th. The morning session is in Bonham at the Sam Rayburn State Historic Site from 10am – 12:30pm; while the afternoon session will be in Denison at the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic site from 2pm – 4:30pm.

This program is free and open to the public. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation please contact:

Sam Rayburn House SHS at 903-583-5558 for Bonham program reservations;

Eisenhower Birthplace SHS at 903-465-8908 for Denison program reservations.