Historic cemeteries are a unique cultural landscape, blending nature and history into one setting that tells the stories of people important to our shared heritage. Cemeteries require special attention and knowledge for proper care, management and planning. Our experience includes master planning efforts for c.1798 Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fernandina Beach, FL and the c.1850 Manatee Burying Ground in Bradenton, Florida. Historic cemetery master plans take a variety of factors into account including: general cemetery information, cemetery history, cultural landscape features such as types of monuments and markers, roads, vegetation, and signage, burial options and alternatives, and recommendations/implementation. As historic sites are especially vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding, plans should address these considerations as well. Cemetery master plans may vary in content based on type of ownership, whether a cemetery is still in use, or what funding is available for maintenance.

African American cemeteries in particular are a significant cultural resource that deserve recognition and care. We have extensive experience working with community members regarding African American cemeteries, especially with regards to documentation, in coordination with the Florida Public Archaeology Network.