Indiana Cemetery Heritage Sign Initiative
In recent years the public has become more concerned with the condition of historic cemeteries. While this recent public awareness for cemeteries has resulted in a number of new laws protecting these important cultural sites, it has also increased the number of people wanting to mark these sites with historic markers. Under current standards, most cemeteries are not eligible for an Indiana Historical Bureau Marker. While these sites may not fit into the guidelines of the Historical Marker program, it is important to note that this does not make them insignificant or undeserving of recognition.
For this reason, the Indiana Historical Bureau has initiated a new program specifically designed to mark cemeteries that are over fifty years old. The IHB is working with the DHPA to insure that when these important cultural resources are identified with historic markers, they are also catalogued in the Cemetery and Burial Ground Registry for protection.
This Cemetery Heritage Marker initiative has three purposes: to reinforce the importance of cemeteries as a resource for the interpretation of Indiana’s history; to bring attention to the existence of Indiana’s remaining cemeteries with a visual reminder of their importance; and to assist the many individuals and groups working to preserve and maintain Indiana’s cemeteries through a heightened awareness of their existence and needs.
Over the past year, over nineteen cemeteries have been marked under this new program. To find a complete list of those cemeteries with Cemetery Heritage Markers or to learn how to obtain a marker, contact the Indiana Historical Bureau at 317-232-2535 or at ihb@statelib.lib.in.us. To learn more about the Indiana Cemetery and Burial Ground Registry or to determine if a cemetery is listed in the Registry, contact the DHPA at 317-232-1646.
View our cemetery marker directory.
Other Cemetery Resources
- Cemetery & Burial Registry
- Cemetery & Gravestone Symbology
- Cemetery Sign Initiative
- Historic Cemetery Marker Directory
- Cemetery Marker Application
- Glossary of Cemetery Related Terms
- Cemetery Preservation
- Bibliography of Cemetery Related Texts
- Laws Regarding Cemeteries
- Websites Related to Cemetery & Genealogy Research
