We are are hosting another cemetery cleanup during RI Historic Cemetery weeks - a different part of town this time! This cemetery has the nicest view of any we have CITO'd so far. It's right across from the reservoir. The area is so scenic that walking clubs meet nearby weekly, to walk around the water. You'll even drive by beautiful Hemlock Falls on your way in.
This event is now on its rain date: Sunday, April 27 from 12pm-3pm
Unfortunately we must utilize the rain date, as the epoxy and cleaning solutions won't appreciate rain.
We will be doing less removal of brush, vines, and other debris here, with more focus on performing stone cleanup, tidying, repairing, and resetting the stones. You may learn some interesting skills, such as how to safely clean gravestones, the significance of some of the iconography, practices relating to positioning the burials, and performing repairs. There is a wide variety of stones, including beautiful relief work.
SC039 - Barden or Ponagansett
The lot is recorded as 140' by 180' and has over 200 listed burials going back to 1819, five Civil War veterans among them. The grounds are well kept and fairly level, enclosed by lovely stone walls.
Helpful items to bring:
Drinking water
Alcohol gel (in case there is any poison ivy)
Snacks
Gloves
Knee pads
Sunscreen/hat
Hand tools like clippers, shovels, rakes, and saws - it's a great idea to mark these with your initials (these are less important this year)
Please drive in from Route 102 (Plainfield Pike) so that all the cars face north/west. Parking is on the south/west side of Ponagansett Road. Look for the red and white cemetery event signs marking the event access and location.
Please use caution. Safety is most important, both for the volunteers and of the cemetery and stones. Watch out for possible thorns, poison plants, and ticks. Dressing for exposure to these is a great idea. Save your flip-flops and shorts for another event!
RI Statewide Restoration/Awareness Event - Scituate
Thanks to the Scituate Preservation Society and Scituate Public Works for working closely with us.
In observance of RI Historic Cemetery Restoration and Awareness weeks 2025