PRESERVING THE MEMORY: PROTECTING WASHINGTON, D.C.’S PRIVATELY-OWNED, HISTORIC CEMETERIES

This document has had referenced material removed in respect for the owner's copyright. A complete version of this document, which includes said referenced material, resides in the University of Maryland, College Park's library collection. Masters final project submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Historic Preservation. HISP 710/711 Spring 2010.Due to the poor condition of Holy Rood Cemetery on Wisconsin Avenue, NW, in Washington, D.C., it was surmised that all historic cemeteries within the District of Columbia are poorly preserved. A survey of nine of D.C.’s historic, privately-owned cemeteries was conducted in order to assess the conditions of access/security, circulation, vegetation, grave markers, and significant structures, and further, any interpretation or additional features, of each of the cemeteries. The results of the survey are analyzed in light of information acquired from a cemetery questionnaire, to determine the conditions of the cemeteries and how the cemeteries respond to specific preservation issues. The findings of the analysis detail the factors that affect cemetery conditions and inform recommendations for cemetery preservation