Vermont cemeteries date back into the 1700’s. They are memorials to the people who endured hardships to settle Vermont when it was a Republic, and to their many descendants. In many instances, there are no surviving members of families to watchdog and preserve their family gravestones. It is up to those of us WHO CARE to safeguard these sacred emblems. Perpetual care means very little - an occasional mowing, no repairs. Marble, granite, slate, and soapstone do not last forever; rock is a layered material subject to climatic changes. It is porous and can split. A gravestone can deteriorate into several pieces when the soil shifts under the base and the stone tilts and eventually falls. VOCA has been instrumental in improving or reclaiming many old gravestones, BUT there is much more work to be done.
We urge you to consider participating in this dedicated endeavor by
joining the Vermont Old Cemetery Association.
The rewards of preserving and restoring old Vermont cemeteries are many; personal, educational, historical, patriotic, for these cemeteries span the centuries - from the 18th century into the indeterminate future.
VOCA holds two meetings each year, in a variety of settings: on the first Saturday in May, and the first Saturday in October.
VOCA publishes an interesting newsletter four times a year which is sent to all members. It includes articles on cemetery laws, care, and preservation aids. Leaflets on cemetery laws are also available to the general public.
VOCA offers grants to deserving groups who need some financial assistance in starting restoration projects.
VOCA encourages publicity: newspaper, magazine, radio, television, parade floats, cemetery tours, fair exhibits, and can often provide speakers and a slide collection.
VOCA has conducted a statewide survey of all cemeteries and burial grounds and published a book, BURIAL GROUNDS OF VERMONT, with related information and maps of each town, showing the name, location, period of use, and approximate number of burials in each cemetery. It may be purchased through the secretary of VOCA.
VOCA has led the way for other states to participate in cemetery restoration: New Hampshire, Maine, and Wisconsin have followed VOCA’s example.
VOCA dues are very modest, within the reach of almost any family.
VOCA encourages memorial gifts of any denomination, for by memorializing your own, you promote the work of VOCA and contribute towards the attainment of its goals. Gifts are tax-deductible.
VOCA has hundreds of members: a dozen charter members, groups such as towns, historical and patriotic societies, Granges, Home Demonstration and other community groups, individuals and families scattered throughout the entire United States.
This file last edited Fri 01-05-2007 10:02:31 pm.