[Heritage] Oregon Heritage News 2005-05-02

[INFO Heritage]

Special Cemeteries Issue:
1.  Seminar to focus on historic cemeteries
2.  Conduct a Memorial Day weekend survey project
3.  Work day planned for Coos Bay cemetery
4.   Cemeteries commission plans meeting in The Dalles 


SEMINAR TO FOCUS ON HISTORIC  CEMETERIES

A seminar on Oregon's historic cemeteries and the issues that confront them
will be presented at the historic Mission Mill in Salem June 3 from 8:30 a.m.-
4:30 p.m. 

Registration forms and information brochures may be obtained by calling
503-986-0681. Completed forms must be postmarked no later than May 18.

Panels and presentations will cover such topics as appropriate cemetery care
and maintenance, funds and fundraising, ownership and boundaries, monument
care and conservation, educational programs and special events, and security.
"Participants will return home with solid information on the many values of
Oregon's historic cemeteries and how best to manage and care for them," said
commission coordinator Mirra Meyer. 

Hands-on training in monument re-setting and repair will be conducted June 4
for a limited number of individuals at a nearby historic cemetery. The
training will also include cemetery survey and research methods and the
treatment of cemeteries as historic landscapes.

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries sponsors the two-day event for
people who are involved in the care and preservation of historic cemeteries
anywhere in the state. For additional information call 503-986-0685 or email:
Mirra.Meyer at state.or.us. 


CONDUCT A MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SURVEY PROJECT

Visitors to historic cemeteries can voluntarily complete a survey form that
seeks information about Oregon's historic cemeteries. The purpose of this
survey is to locate and determine the condition of all cemeteries, mausoleums,
memorial gardens, burial sites, etc. in Oregon that contain burials dated
prior to Feb. 14, 1909. The information you provide will help the Oregon
Commission on Historic Cemeteries assist Oregonians in the restoration and
maintenance of historic cemeteries statewide. 

To obtain a survey form on-line go to www.hcd.state.or.us and select "historic
cemeteries" from the menu on the left, then go to "survey."


WORK DAY PLANNED FOR COOS BAY CEMETERY

The Bay Area Kiwanis Club is coordinating a community work day from 9 a.m.-3
p.m. May 7 at Coos Bay's Pioneer Cemetery, located at 7th and Ingersoll
streets across from Marshfield High School.

Area Lutheran churches, Star of Hope's Aktion Club and the Marshfield Key Club
will join the Kiwanis in the work day.  An independent studies project by
Marshfield ninth grade Becky Soules that focuses on establishing an accurate
database of the names of people buried the cemetery will also be underway that
day.

Adult and youth groups and individuals of all ages may help clear overgrown
holly and weeds, cut grass, trim foliage and catalog tombstones. They are also
encouraged to bring gardening tools and leather gloves. Lunch will be
provided. For more information, contact cbcemetery at att.net or Patti Gates any
day after 7 p.m. at (541) 266-9959.


CEMETERIES COMMISSION PLANS MEETING IN THE DALLES

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will have its next public meeting
at 1 p.m. May 13 at The Dalles City Hall.  all citizens interested in the care
and preservation of Oregon's historic cemeteries and gravesites are encouraged
to attend.

The agenda will include progress of the ongoing statewide survey of historic
cemeteries, the commission's grants program, cemeteries at risk, and other
issues. Commission members welcome public comment at all commission meetings.

After the meeting adjourns at approximately 3:30 p.m., the public is invited
to join The Dalles Historic Landmarks Commission and the Historic Cemeteries
commissioners for a guided tour of The Dalles Pioneer Cemetery. For more
information, contact commission coordinator Mirra Meyer at 
mirra.meyer at state.or.us or (503) 986-0685 or visit www.hcd.state.or.us
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