Can a cemetery be placed on the National Register of Historic Places? What makes it historic?
The National Register notes that often cemeteries reflect important cultural values and practices of the past that can instruct us about who we are as a people. Yet often graves and cemeteries are viewed with a sense of devout sentiment that can overshadow objective reason. As a result, cemeteries are among those properties that ordinarily are not considered eligible for inclusion on the National Register. But, the National Register does provide a mechanism of evaluation under which cemeteries may be eligible. To qualify for listing under Criterion A (association with events), Criterion B (association with people), or Criterion C (design), the cemetery or graveyard must meet not only the basic criteria, but also additional special requirements. If, on the other hand, a cemetery is nominated under Criterion D (information potential), then no additional requirements are necessary. National Register Bulletin 36 outlines how archaeological resources, including cemeteries, should be evaluat
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- Can a cemetery be placed on the National Register of Historic Places? What makes it historic?
