PROJECT 02 - Cemetery Map
The goal is to Identify all of the graves and create an updated map. We will also photograph all of the stones for documentation and add those to a master spreadsheet, along with the inscription. This will be archived at Vergennes City Hall. We will also add GPS locations and upload images to FindaGrave.com.
Step One: Identification
Create a master list of all persons buried in the cemetery
We have found three main documents to help with this. The first is a spreadsheet that was created by Gerald Vesper maybe 20 years ago. It lists the names, death dates, inscription, a general description of the stone, and notes if there is a military connection.
About the same time, Susan Ferland created a "map" of the cemetery. It has a list of all of the stones, row by row.
The most helpful piece is a 157 page PDF file stored in the city's archives. This is a transcription of an inventory done between 1930 and 1960, by Hugh McLellan. This document has a master list of names, then a description of each stone and transcription of what is written on it.
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We are currently in the midst of creating a master spreadsheet. Using all of the documents listed above, we are recreating as much information about each person as we can. We're also referencing FindaGrave.com and are doing some research to fill in the blanks. This spreadsheet will include as much information as we can find, including birth and death dates, cause of death, links to the FindaGrave page, a full transcription of their gravestone, and more.
Step 2: Mapping
There is no "official" cemetery map known. Susan Ferland created one in 2014 which notes missing and moved stones.
The first step is to verify and update the list. Since it was created, there have been many incidents of vandalism. There are more stones that have been broken and most likely, many have been moved.
Once the list is confirmed, we need to determine a way to chart the plots by location and add that information to the master spreadsheet.
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One thing we might explore would be to take drone images to help with the layout.
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Once the stones have all been cleaned, we plan to take photos of every one and upload their GPS location to FindaGrave.com.
Step 3: Finalizing the Details
Once we have determined all the locations and transcribed all the information, we'd like to find some way to display this so anyone can access it.
Exact details to be determined! We will definitely have the master list available at both the Bixby and City Hall. We'd also like to have it available for people directly at the cemetery.