International Assoc. of Cemetery Presevationists

Today, all across the World, thousands of cemeteries on private property are in danger of being destroyed. Left unprotected, many cemeteries fall prey to real estate developers or others who are seeking economic or personal goals. These unfeeling people destroy many of these historic cemeteries, showing no respect for the
dead, or their families.
The inscriptions on their monuments tell us not only their names and dates, but often where they lived, their occupations and affiliations, the manner of their death, personal traits that survivors held dear, and names of relatives. These inscriptions provide us with invaluable data regarding local, medical, and material history, cultural geography,
historical archaeology, folklore, genealogy, and much more data that in many cases
may be found nowhere else.
The International Association of Cemetery Preservationists, Inc is strongly committed to the protection of these burial sites from unwarranted disturbance, by man or nature. We believe that the willful desecration or destruction of these burial sites is unacceptable in a civilized society. It is our objective to highlight their importance and promote an attitude of reverence and respect, while encouraging further preservation of these unique historical resources. We are asking private property owners to allow access at 'reasonable times' to legitimate groups to do the repairs and upkeep that is necessary, and to allow descendants and other interested parties the opportunity to visit the graves.
It is therefore our mission to correct the wrongs that have been done in cemeteries
throughout the World, to set a National minimum standard for the upkeep of all historic
cemeteries. To stop the unnecessary destruction, the wanton vandalism and
enforcement of the existing laws until a time comes that better laws can be in place.
We are also determined to restore and preserve as many of these neglected and
abandoned cemeteries as is feasibly possible. And to contiue to raise funds for these sites.

CEMETERY ETIQUETTE:
1. Take only photos, leave only footprints.
2. Do not touch memorials or artifacts. They are privately owned outdoor sculptures.
3.Do not bring alcohol, firearms or entertainment items into cemeteries.
4.Show respect for the dead.
5. Maintain supervision of children and teach them to respect the dead.
6.Keep pets under control and clean up after them.
7. Do not litter, this includes cigarette butts.
8. Do not interfere with the plants or wildlife that inhabit the cemetery.
9. Keep your vehicle on designated roadways or in parking areas.
10. Do not leave vehicle idling, this can damage historic structures and sculptures.
11. Please stay on designated walkways or footpaths.
12. Obey posted times of operation or refer to local laws on the matter.
13.Promptly report suspicious activities or vandalism to local authorities.