Partnership with Local Community Part of Research Focus on Cemeteries
Though neglected for most of its 250 year history, the American Cemetery recently has become a hotbed of activity in the town of Natchitoches with historians and community volunteers wanting to preserve its historical integrity. The oldest documented grave is 1797 and many of the town’s most prominent families are buried there along with veterans from all wars, including the Revolutionary War.
The National Park Service branches in the town are among those working to ensure restoration efforts are conducted with integrity. The Cane River National Heritage Area awarded a grant that will allow the cemetery’s board to erect wrought iron fencing around the multi-block area and provide lighting. Those funds led to other work, such as that spearheaded by NCPTT, which undertook the project as part of its research emphasis to meet the preservation needs of cemeteries and houses of worhip. Under the direction of Dr. ElizaBeth Bede Guin, DuPont materials research fellow, the Center has undertaken a substantial joint effort with several individuals and organizations, including the American Cemetery Association, Cane River National Heritage Area and Northwestern State University.
Volunteers spent most of last summer documenting names found on markers and the graves’ conditions. Many of the same volunteers have come on board for this summer as well. Results of their efforts are being cataloged into an electronic database which will be publicly accessible. This spring, NCPTT produced a comprehensive map of the cemetery identifying known gravemarkers. In addition, the public has helped by providing photographs and information on family grave plots.