Rhode Island Cemetery Weeks
Rhode Island Historic Cemeteries Awareness & Preservation Weeks is offered in partnership with the Rhode Island Advisory Commission on Historical Cemeteries. Each year, hundreds of Rhode Islanders come together to celebrate the history, art, ecology, and conservation of the state's historic cemeteries, graveyards, and burial grounds.
Why cemeteries?
Cemeteries are among Rhode Island's most unique and often overlooked cultural resources. Nearly 3000 gravesites have been identified in our small state, including Indigenous Peoples' burial places, family plots on rural farmsteads, church graveyards, picturesque garden cemeteries, cemeteries established by religious communities, veterans' resting places, and more. Historic cemeteries tell the stories of individuals and families, landscape design, grave marker artistry and technology, religious beliefs, traditional cultural practices, and community development.
Event Calendar
Tours, clean-ups, hikes, repair and conservation workshops, exhibits, and talks are offered April-May 2025. All free!
Peruse the most up-to-date list of programs and events. Check back regularly for updates and additions.
Call for Programs
We welcome your program proposals for 2025 Rhode Island Cemetery Weeks. Please contact Christine MacWilliams.