“Everything old is new again.” That phrase can encapsulate many cemeteries in the U.S. today. What became known as scary places filled with spooky superstitions is once again being embraced by the public.
Today,
the community is being beckoned back to the bucolic atmosphere of the
cemetery to enjoy a stroll, some music, a tour, even an event … just like our ancestors did in the 19th Century.
Today,
we can entice our communities back into the cemetery by a number of methods: here are six to get you started.
1.
Social Media
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2.
Blogging
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3.
Volunteers
The
main reason people do not volunteer is because no one has asked! Volunteers can be
the life-blood of an organization. Start asking for volunteers in your
newsletters. (You do that too, right?) Let people know that you would welcome
their assistance and have a list of things written down that they can choose to do. Keep the duties simple, let it be fun and your volunteers will
become the cemetery’s ambassadors throughout your community.
4.
Videos
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5.
Tours
Cemeteries
around the country are slowly embracing “the tour” as an opportunity to get the public to visit their grounds. I’ve heard some people say that there is
nothing 'special’ about their cemetery. Sorry, but that’s bull! Every cemetery
has something special about it – the land, the story of the founding, the
people buried there, the stones and artwork, the community’s history; it’s all
relevant and interesting to people. Tours can be led by volunteers or costumed interpreters, and taken
by riding a trolley, or walking through the grounds. It doesn’t matter how you do it, it only matters that you do it.
6. Events
Mid-sized
and smaller cemeteries are slow to embrace this idea, afraid of appearing
less than professional. But events can bring hundreds of people
into your cemetery. Lawn concerts are favorite events, so are flower and tree
walks, community picnics, and special dedications or remembrances. Some
cemeteries have re-enactors portray what life was like during a
specific time in the community’s history.
There
are hundreds more ideas, but these should get you thinking in the right
direction. You may start small, but with time and effort you can keep it
growing.
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Here’s
to making 2016 a year where “everybody knows your name.”
~ Joy
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