RI Cemetery Weeks Calendar

RI Cemetery Weeks 2022

In April-May 2022, the RI Advisory Commission on Historical Cemeteries and the RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission presented RI Historical Cemeteries Awareness and Preservation Weeks. Participants learned about Rhode Island’s historic cemeteries and burial grounds through clean-ups, tours, open houses, gravestone conservation workshops, and other programs. All events were free and open to the public. 

Click the + for event details. Events are also posted by community at RIACHC's website.

April 2, 10am

Wilson Family Cemetery, 2750 Harkney Hill Rd, Coventry

Join volunteers for a clean-up.

Back-up site Obadiah Johnson Lot, side street at Pole 126, Harkney Hill Rd.

Rain date 4/3 @10am

Contact: Charles Vacca coventrycemeteries@gmail.com 

Sat April 2, 9am

Amos Whitford Lot, Off Rt 102 (behind Exeter Library/Chapel), Exeter

Join volunteers to clean up the cemetery and lift sunken headstones.

Contact: Dory Wagner dorwagg@aol.com

Sat April 2 (and Saturdays), 1pm

Trinity Church Graveyard, Corner Spring/Church sts, Newport

Most of Trinity Churchyard’s 250 graves date to the 18th century, representing the fine work of stone carvers from the John Stevens Shop (still in operation today) and John Bull. If you miss the cemetery tour, you can visit the church 10am-4pm Saturdays.

Tour limit: 8.

https://www.trinitynewport.org/

Contact: TrinityTours100@gmail.com

April 2, 10am

Major Adams Lot, 390’ east of North Rd at pole #988, South Kingstown

Join volunteers from South Kingstown Cemetery Commission and Narragansett Cooke Gaspee Chapter of DAR for a clean-up.

Contact: Russell Dinoto russell.dinoto@hotmail.com

April 5, 10am

Norman Bird Sanctuary 583 3rd Beach Rd, Middletown

Join naturalist Jay Manning for a Birds and Burials walking tour. Visit the Norman Bird Sanctuary’s three burying grounds to learn about their history and take in the sights and sounds of the Sanctuary’s spring birds. 

https://www.normanbirdsanctuary.org 

Rain date April 8; repeats April 25

Thurs April 7, 10am

Enoch Steere Lot, Glocester

Join the Glocester Historical Cemeteries Committee for their weekly clean-ups and gravestone repairs. April 7 at Enoch Steere; contact Bill for upcoming locations (week by week).

Contact: Bill Brown billbrown8686@gmail.com 

Sat April 9, 8am

Riverside Cemetery, Callahan School St, Burrillville

Burrillville Historical & Preservation Society hosts a clean-up, gravestone conservation demonstration, and stone cleaning information.

Contact Betty Mencucci bmencucci@verizon.net, Ron Lapierre rplapierre@aol.com

Sat April 9 (and Saturdays), 1pm

Trinity Church Graveyard, Corner Spring/Church sts, Newport

Most of Trinity Churchyard’s 250 graves date to the 18th century, representing the fine work of stone carvers from the John Stevens Shop (still in operation today) and John Bull. If you miss the cemetery tour, you can visit the church 10am-4pm Saturdays.

Tour limit: 8.

https://www.trinitynewport.org/

Contact: TrinityTours100@gmail.com

April 9, 10am - noon

Karin Sprague Stone Carvers
904 Tourtellot Hill Road, North Scituate

Karin Sprague will host an open studio in the space where she designs and carves gravestones by hand.

Spaces are limited and reservations are required: call 401-934-3105.

www.karinsprague.com

April 9, 9am - noon

Champlin Church lot, 200’ SE of Post Rd/Rt 1 on Ninigret Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown

Join volunteers to clean up this cemetery.

Contact Pam Lyons pam@oceanhousemarina.com, Susan Angelo susan1angelo@icloud.com

April 9, 10am

Maple Root Cemetery, opposite 150 Harkney Hill Rd, Coventry

Pawtuxet Valley Historical and Preservation Society presents a walking tour focused on the evolution and symbolism of gravestones, as well as some interesting people.

Rain date 4/10

Contact: Charlie Vacca coventrycemeteries@gmail.com 

April 12, 5pm

North Burial Ground 5 Branch Ave, Providence
Meet at Rochambeau Gate (near corner of North Main St/Rochambeau Ave)

Join Director Annalisa Heppner for a walking tour featuring some of North Burial Ground’s most noteworthy interments—Rhode Islanders who “Dared to Live Different” and defied norms of their time to make an impact on history. Meet artists, circus performers, suffragettes, philanthropists and more!

https://www.providenceri.gov/providence-parks/north-burial-ground/

Limit: tbd

April 13, 6pm

Newport Public Library 300 Spring St, Newport

Season kick-off presentation: Lew Keen will share the Newport Cemetery Commission’s work in 2021 and preview events scheduled for 2022.  Featuring a tribute to Judah Touro.

Contact: ntphistoriccemeteries@gmail.com

April 16, 9am

Ladd School residents lot at RI Veterans Cemetery, 301 South County Tr, Exeter

Volunteers will clean Ladd School headstones inside RI Veterans Cemetery.

Contact: Dory Wagner dorwagg@aol.com

April 16, 10am-1pm

Asaph Wilder Cemetery, 190 Joe Sarle Rd, Glocester

Join members of the Glocester Conservation Commission to clean up this rural cemetery.

Contact Roy Najecki Roy@Najecki.com   

Sat April 16 (and Saturdays), 1pm

Trinity Church Graveyard, Corner Spring/Church sts, Newport

Most of Trinity Churchyard’s 250 graves date to the 18th century, representing the fine work of stone carvers from the John Stevens Shop (still in operation today) and John Bull. If you miss the cemetery tour, you can visit the church 10am-4pm Saturdays.

Tour limit: 8.

https://www.trinitynewport.org/

Contact: TrinityTours100@gmail.com

April 16, 10am

Elm Grove Cemetery 960 Tower Hill Rd, North Kingstown

North Kingstown Town Historian Tim Cranston will lead a walking tour of a cemetery that contains relocated burials spanning three centuries. Learn about the folks who made Wickford, tales of mariners and farmers, and North Kingstown’s unique connection to the movie “12 Years a Slave.” Sponsored by Historic Wickford, Inc.

https://histwick.org/

Meet at Cranston family plot near southernmost entrance.

Limit: 40

April 16, 9:30am

Hotchkiss Cemetery (next to Union Cemetery/opposite 108 Smithfield Rd), North Smithfield

Join volunteers for a clean-up and gravestone cleaning demonstration

Contact: Rich Keene rfkeene6@gmail.com, Denis Chamberland denis.p.chamberland@gmail.com 

Saturday April 16, 11am

Gardner Tefft Lot/Joshua Tefft Lot,,Tefft Historical Park, off Berry Lane, South Kingstown

Join DAR and other volunteers to clean up these two burying grounds. Gardner Tefft served in the Revolutionary War as a member of the Kingston Reds, and Joshua Tefft is believed to be the last person hanged, drawn, and quartered on American soil.

Contact Russell Dinoto russell.dinoto@hotmail.com

Weds April 20, 1-3pm

Swan Point Cemetery 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence

Historic War Veterans Walk with William Caldwell. Meet outside Main office (parking available).

https://swanpointcemetery.com/

Limit: 40

Registration required: anitav@swanpoint1846.com

Fri April 22, 3pm

God’s Little Acre at Common Burying Ground, Farewell St, Newport

Historian Keith Stokes will lead a walking tour of God’s Little Acre, the nation’s oldest documented and extant burying ground for people of African heritage. Its many 18th- and early 19th-century gravestones illustrate the creative survival of Africans and African Americans in colonial Newport. 

https://www.colonialcemetery.com/

Limit: 20 | Registration required: npthistoriccemeteries@gmail.com

Sat April 23, 9am-noon

Cedar Lot, George Waterman Ave/Vacca St, Johnston

Join volunteers for a clean-up. Sponsored by Johnston Historical Society.
Contact Steve Merolla SMerolla1@cox.net   Elise Carlson wardenclyffe@cox.net

April 23, 11am

Common Burying Ground Farewell St, Newport

Cemetery clean-up. Join volunteers to clear vines, leaves, branches, and debris. Wear a mask, and BYO gloves. City will provide tools or BYO.

Registration required: npthistoriccemeteries@gmail.com

Sat April 23 (and Saturdays), 1pm

Trinity Church Graveyard, Corner Spring/Church sts, Newport

Most of Trinity Churchyard’s 250 graves date to the 18th century, representing the fine work of stone carvers from the John Stevens Shop (still in operation today) and John Bull. If you miss the cemetery tour, you can visit the church 10am-4pm Saturdays.

Tour limit: 8.

https://www.trinitynewport.org/

Contact: TrinityTours100@gmail.com

Sat April 23, 10am-12:30pm

Elm Grove Cemetery, 960 Tower Hill Rd, North Kingstown

Join volunteers for a clean-up to include trimming grass around the gravestones. Please bring rakes, shears, and gloves. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Contact Jennifer Coates jbcoates925@hotmail.com

April 23, 1:30pm

North Burial Ground 5 Branch Ave Providence

Public Historians Traci Picard and Bridget Hall will lead a tour of the Free Grounds area at North Burial Ground. Participants will discuss free burial in Providence, the politics of memory, and the ethics of studying potter’s fields and other free burial areas.

Meet at the bridge which crosses the Blackstone Canal--see map

https://thefreegrounds.squarespace.com

Sat April 23, 9am

Conservation Cabin (behind police station), 125 Pleasant View Ave, Smithfield

Join volunteers to continue their perpetual care program and clean-ups every other Saturday morning.

Contact: Skip Tuetken friendsofsmithfieldcemeteries@gmail.com

April 23, 1-4pm

Old Lake Cemetery, Furey Ave, Tiverton

Join volunteers for a clean-up. BYO gloves and briar/vine cutting tools. Rain date 4/30.

Contact: Jim Spears jim.spears.@cox.net

Sat April 23 Clean-up, 9:30am

North Burial Ground, North Main St, Warren

Join volunteers for an Earth Day Clean-up.

Contact: 401-245-5431 or 401-556-5951

April 23, 9-11:30am

Brayton Cemetery 3468 Post Rd, Warwick

Join volunteers for a clean-up.

Contact: Pegee Malcolm pmalcolm@cox.net.

April 23 9am

Midville Golf Club, Wakefield St, West Warwick

BYO rakes and tools and friends to clean up this long-neglected cemetery.

Contact: Charles Vacca coventrycemeteries@gmail.com 

April 23 Clean-up

Bernon Cemetery, 99 Logee St, Woonsocket

Join volunteers for a clean-up.

Wear long pants, long sleeves, and gloves. Sponsored by Woonsocket Historical Society.

Contact: Greg Duhamel grizroots401@gmail.com

April 24, 12pm

Israel Lewis Cemetery Richmond

Join volunteers for a clean-up.

Meet: I-95/Rt. 138 Park + Ride.

Contact: Dory Wagner dorwagg@aol.com

April 24, 2pm

River Bend Cemetery 117 Beach St Westerly

River Bend Cemetery (1849) will host an Open House, welcoming visitors to the newly-renovated office (1901). Volunteers from Babcock-Smith House will give walking tours of select Westerly granite monuments and host a sale of maps, books, and DVDs. Refreshments.

https://riverbendcemetery.org/ | https://www.babcocksmithhouse.org/

Rain date: May 1

April 25, 10am

Norman Bird Sanctuary 583 3rd Beach Rd, Middletown

Join naturalist Jay Manning for a Birds and Burials walking tour. Visit the Norman Bird Sanctuary’s three burying grounds to learn about their history and take in the sights and sounds of the Sanctuary’s spring birds. 

https://www.normanbirdsanctuary.org 

Rain date April 28.

April 27, 7pm

Scituate Preservation Society 706 Hartford Pike Scituate

Archaeologist Kimberly Smith will present a program on historic cemeteries.

https://www.facebook.com/ScituatePreservation/ 

Sat April 30, 10am

North Burial Ground, 1081 Hope St, Bristol

Celebrate North Burial Ground’s 200th anniversary with a walking tour, featuring the rural cemetery, its ancient headstones and Victorian monuments, and its new 110-tree mini-arboretum. Meet between brick chapel and foot of Civil War monument lawn.

Contacts: Charlie Cavalconte ccavalconte@yahoo.com, Carol Gafford nebg02809@yahoo.com

April 30, 11am

Coddington Burial Ground, 34 Farewell St, Newport

Architectural historian Ron Onorato will lead a walking tour of this small colonial-era burial ground, also known as The Governors’ Burial Ground. Six Rhode Island governors are interred here, more than any other cemetery in the state.

Coddington Burial Ground
34 Farewell St, Newport

LIMIT: 15 attendees

Registration required: npthistoriccemeteries@gmail.com

Sat April 30 Clean-up

Island Cemetery, 30 Warner St, Newport

Join volunteers to clean up Island Cemetery. 

Contact: info@islandcemetery.com

https://www.islandcemeterynewport.com/

Sat April 30 Open House

Belmont Chapel at Island Cemetery, 30 Warner St, Newport

Island Cemetery is hosting an Open House, inviting visitors to view the ongoing restoration of Belmont Chapel.

www.belmontchapelfoundation.org

Sat April 30 (and Saturdays), 1pm

Trinity Church Graveyard, Corner Spring/Church sts, Newport

Most of Trinity Churchyard’s 250 graves date to the 18th century, representing the fine work of stone carvers from the John Stevens Shop (still in operation today) and John Bull. If you miss the cemetery tour, you can visit the church 10am-4pm Saturdays.

Tour limit: 8.

https://www.trinitynewport.org/

Contact: TrinityTours100@gmail.com

April 30, 10am

121 West Main St, North Kingstown

Tim Cranston will lead a six-cemetery walking tour of Cooper-Whitford Lot, Old Narragansett Cemetery, Fowler-Weeden-Wightman Lot, Eliphalet Young Lot, Quaker Meeting House Lot, and Wall/Llufrio Lot. Sponsored by Daffodil Days in Wickford Village https://wickfordvillage.org/ 

Limit: 30

Contact: Tim Cranston gcranston@northkingstown.org

 

April 30, 10:30am

Mineral Spring Cemetery 4815 Mineral Spring Ave Pawtucket

The Heritage Alliance of Pawtucket and Public Archaeology Laboratory invite you to discover the history of this 18th-century cemetery and “meet” its residents, including prominent Pawtucket citizens and veterans of the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Also learn how ground penetrating radar was used to find unmarked graves in the cemetery. 

https://www.heritagepawtucket.org/ | https://www.palinc.com/

Limit: 20

Sat April 30, 10am

Tillinghast Burial Ground 398 Benefit St, Providence

Before Benefit Street was laid out in the 1700s, Providence was peppered with small family burial grounds. Join volunteers for a clean-up at the last survivor: Tillinghast Burial Ground. A short history of the site will be available. https://www.tillinghastsociety.org/

Contact: Bruce Tillinghast: wbt213@gmail.com

April 30, 10am

Rice Cemetery, 58 Tiogue Ave (behind Plaza Esperanza), West Warwick

Monument repair demonstration led by volunteers. Rain date May 1.

Contact: Charles Vacca coventrycemeteries@gmail.com 

Sat April 30 Clean-up/demonstration

James Babcock Grounds, next to 42 Watch Hill Rd, Westerly

Lawrence Hunter will lead the Phebe Greene Ward DAR Chapter in a clean-up and demonstrate gravestone cleaning.  Bring your work gloves, rakes, a kneeling pad or short stool. 

Contact: Lawrence Hunter Lphunter55@yahoo.com

April 30, 10am

Bernon Cemetery, 99 Logee St, Woonsocket

Greg Duhamel leads a walking tour. Co-sponsored by Woonsocket Historical Society and Blackstone Valley Historical Society.

Contact: Greg Duhamel grizroots401@gmail.com

April 2022

John Nicholas Brown Center for Public Humanities & Cultural Heritage, 357 Benefit St, Providence

On exhibit: Memoria: Care Work and Memory in the Free Burial Ground. This installation honors the memory of the residents of the Potter’s Field and Free Ground at Providence’s North Burial Ground.

https://events.brown.edu/jnbc/event/227277-public-humanities-lab-memoria-care-work-and

MAY

Sun May 1, 1pm

Sayles Cook Cemetery, High St, Burrillville

Burrillville Historical & Preservation Society presents a tour featuring the history of the nearby mill and the mill owners buried in the cemetery, as well as a discussion of conservation projects. Contact Betty Mencucci bmencucci@verizon.net, Ron Lapierre rplapierre@aol.com

May 1, 2pm

Queen's River Preserve, 40 School Landwoods Rd, Exeter (park here)

Take an easy 3-4 mile hike to 5 historic cemeteries on the edges of the RI Veterans Cemetery. Spot homestead cellar holes and the Queen's River. No dogs allowed.

Contact: Dory Wagner, dorwagg@aol.com 

May 1, 7pm Docent Interest Meeting

North Burial Ground 5 Branch Ave Providence

Join NBG Director Annalisa Heppner to learn about how to get more involved at North Burial Ground, have some snacks, hear from folks who are already involved with the cemetery about their interests in NBG.

RSVP at fb.me/e/1I99uCjGc or email northburialground@providenceri.gov

https://www.providenceri.gov/providence-parks/north-burial-ground/

May 1, 9:30am

Carolina Management Area, Pine Hill Rd, Richmond

Take an easy 3.5 mile hike to visit 3 cemeteries in the Carolina Management Area and encounter wildflowers, wildlife, open fields, forests, and old homestead cellar holes. 

From Rt. 12, meet at parking area on south side of Pine Hill Rd near DEM building, just east of meadow brook bridge.

Contact: Dory Wagner dorwagg@aol.com

May 1, 2pm

Burr’s Hill Park 540 Water St Warren
Meet at the historic marker across from Town Beach.

Dave Weed of the Sowams Heritage Area Project will lead a walk at the site of a 15th-century royal Pokanoket burial ground.

https://sowamsheritagearea.org/wp

Sun, May 1, 10am

Sheffield Lot 132 Watch Hill Rd, Westerly

Join Larry Hunter and volunteers from Rediscovering History, Inc to clean up Sheffield Lot. Rediscovering History Inc is a nonprofit group who assisted in the restoration of Babcock Lot (WY05). Limited parking on the roadside.

https://rediscovering-history.com/

Contact Larry Hunter lphunter53@yahoo.com

Fri, May 6, 4-5pm

Locust Grove Cemetery, 442 Elmwood Ave, Providence

Join Sarah Zurier (RIHPHC) and Caroline Stevens (Doors Open RI) for a walking conversation about Plats, Lots, and Plots at Locust Grove Cemetery. Let's walk and talk about cemeteries as spaces for mourning and remembrance--and real estate and recreation. This is also a program of Jane's Walk Providence.

http://www.doorsopenri.org/janeswalk/

Sat May 7, 10am

Newman Cemetery Corner of Newman/Pawtucket Aves,East Providence

The East Providence Historical Society hosts both a clean-up and a self-guided tour. For the clean-up, please bring a rake and yard bag if possible. For the tour, learn about the rich history of Newman Cemetery and its noteworthy gravestones.

Contact: Sandra Turgeon friendsofnewmancemetery@gmail.com

Sat May 7, tbd

Solomon Drown Cemetery, Mt. Hygeia Rd, Foster

Foster Preservation Society hosts a clean-up, featuring a demonstration of how to reset a fallen gravestone and how to clean gravestones.

Contact FPS fosterfps@msn.com

May 7, 11am

Clifton Burying Ground Golden Hill St (behind library) Newport

Tucked in just behind the library is a remarkable colonial burial site. Impeccably carved headstones mark the graves of notable Newport residents but many are encrusted with algae and lichens.  The City will provide the materials and training to cleane theses stones. 

Registration required: npthistoriccemeteries@gmail.com

Sat May 7 (and Saturdays), 1pm

Trinity Church Graveyard, Corner Spring/Church sts, Newport

Most of Trinity Churchyard’s 250 graves date to the 18th century, representing the fine work of stone carvers from the John Stevens Shop (still in operation today) and John Bull. If you miss the cemetery tour, you can visit the church 10am-4pm Saturdays.

Tour limit: 8.

https://www.trinitynewport.org/

Contact: TrinityTours100@gmail.com

May 7, 10:30am

Oak Grove Cemetery Cottage St/Central Ave Pawtucket

The Heritage Alliance of Pawtucket and Public Archaeology Laboratory invite you to discover the history of this cemetery, established in 1832 and used in ways that might surprise you. Also learn how ground penetrating radar was used to find unmarked graves in the cemetery. 

https://www.heritagepawtucket.org/ | https://www.palinc.com/

Limit: 20

Sat May 7, 9am-noon

Grace Church Cemetery/Trinity Square 10 Elmwood Ave, Providence 

Join volunteers for a clean-up at Grace Church Cemetery and Trinity Square. Stick around for the monument cleaning demonstration at 11am.

https://www.gracechurchcemeteryri.org/

May 7, 11am

Grace Church Cemetery 10 Elmwood Ave Providence

Learn about the dos and don’ts of historic gravestone cleaning from Dr. Dennis Montagna who leads the Monument Research & Preservation Program for the National Park Service. His recent projects include preservation planning and conservation for sculpture collections at the Gettysburg and Vicksburg Battlefields, and for the Hudson River Valley Greenway. 

https://www.gracechurchcemeteryri.org/

https://ncptt.nps.gov/blog/tag/dennis-montagna/

Sat May 7, 2pm 

North Burial Ground, 5 Branch Ave, Providence

Two students in Brown University's Community Archaeology course will offer a tour of the North Burial Ground, followed by a very exciting scavenger hunt. This is a family-friendly event, and kids between 4th grade and 8th grade are especially encouraged to attend!

Meet at Rochambeau Avenue pedestrian gates. Free parking available on North Main Street. 

Sat May 7, 9am

Conservation Cabin (behind police station), 125 Pleasant View Ave, Smithfield

Join volunteers to continue their perpetual care program and clean-ups every other Saturday morning.

Contact: Skip Tuetken friendsofsmithfieldcemeteries@gmail.com

Tues May 10, 1-2:30pm

St Columba’s Churchyard 55 Vaucluse Ave Middletown

Mary-Louise and Bob Fye will lead a tour of the picturesque, tranquil and tree-studded churchyard and its historically significant gravestones, many of which were carved by the John Stevens Shop. Linger after the tour to visit the 19th-century stone chapel and its important ensemble of opalescent stained glass windows manufactured by Tiffany.

Contact: Mary-Louise Fye mlhoward603@gmail.com

Weds May 11, 1-3pm

Swan Point Cemetery 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence

Join architect Cornelis J. de Boer AIA for an Architectural Walk of Historic Buildings at Swan Point Cemetery. Meet outside Main office (parking available).

https://swanpointcemetery.com/

Limit: 30

Registration required: anitav@swanpoint1846.com

May 11, 7pm 

North Scituate Community House 546 W Greenville Rd, North Scituate

Scituate Historic Cemetery Committee presents a program about the Russell Smith Lot, SC015 and the residents buried there. 

Contact Skye Pechie tmbgambassador@gmail.com

Sat May 14, 10am-2pm

Allin Yard 115 Bay Spring Ave Barrington

Barrington Cemetery Commission and Public Archaeology Laboratory will co-host a program to include: gravestone cleaning demonstration by trained volunteers, walking tour, and presentation of cemetery mapping, inventory, and ground-penetrating radar survey work.

https://www.barrington.ri.gov/cemeterycomm | https://www.palinc.com/

Limit: 20. 

Contact: suecherau@cox.net 

Sat May 14, 9am-4pm

Pascoag Cemetery, Cemetery Hill Rd, Burrillville

Burrillville Historical & Preservation Society hosts a gravestone conservation workshop. Learn the basics of cleaning, resetting, and repairing gravestones.
Contact Betty Mencucci bmencucci@verizon.net, Ron Lapierre rplapierre@aol.com

Sat May 14, 9am-1pm 

Franklin-Gardiner Cem/Benj Stanton Lot Near 170 South Ferry Rd, Narragansett

Clean-up and a history tour. Bring rakes, gloves, clippers and smiles if you want to help. Refreshments. Rain date May 21.

Contact: Michael Millen Sr michaelmillen@hotmail.com                             

May 14, 11am

Coddington Burial Ground 34 Farewell St Newport

Join volunteers to clean gravestones at “The Governors’ Burial Ground.” Many of the slate stones are covered with algae and lichens. The City will provide materials and training.

Registration required: npthistoriccemeteries@gmail.com

Sat May 14 (and Saturdays), 1pm

Trinity Church Graveyard, Corner Spring/Church sts, Newport

Most of Trinity Churchyard’s 250 graves date to the 18th century, representing the fine work of stone carvers from the John Stevens Shop (still in operation today) and John Bull. If you miss the cemetery tour, you can visit the church 10am-4pm Saturdays.

Tour limit: 8.

https://www.trinitynewport.org/

Contact: TrinityTours100@gmail.com

May 14, 1pm

Casey Farm 2325 Boston Neck Rd, North Kingstown
meet at Casey Farm Market information table

Visit the Silas Casey Burial Ground, where 32 members of the Casey family were interred from the early 18th century through the mid-20th century. The small family burying ground is a significant feature of Casey Farm’s landscape, stewarded and interpreted by Historic New England.

https://www.historicnewengland.org/property/casey-farm/

Repeats May 21, May 28
Limit: 40

May 14, 9am - noon

Russell Smith Lot 18 Silk Lane, North Scituate

Scituate Historic Cemetery Committee hosts a clean-up at the Russell Smith Lot.

May 14, 1pm

Old Congregational Church Cemetery, Lake Rd, Tiverton

Walking tour: this cemetery has the most slate stones of any Tiverton cemetery and includes markers for 16 Revolutionary War veterans and 2 Civil War veterans. Rain date 5/21. Parking available in St. Madeleine's Church lot on Lake Rd, north of the cemetery

Contact: Jim Spears jim.spears.@cox.net, Sue Anderson gsriengr@yahoo,com 

May 14, 1pm

Brayton Cemetery 3468 Post Rd Warwick

It’s a scavenger hunt! Find 25 items in Brayton Cemetery. At several of the headstones, you’ll also find people talking about residents including Judge Brayton, Thomas Vaill, the Budlong family, circus skinny man, and others. Also watch cleaning demonstrations and learn about headstone symbolism.

Contact: Pegee Malcolm pmalcolm@cox.net

Sat May 14, 10am

Rev Joseph Park Family Lot Betw 342/46 Post Rd (Rt. 1) Westerly

Join Larry Hunter and the Westerly Historical Society to create a new entrance to the cemetery from Rt. 1.

Contact Larry Hunter lphunter53@yahoo.com

May 14, 10am

Zebina Cook Lot, rear of Bissonnette Field on Elder Ballou Rd, Woonsocket

Join volunteers for a clean-up. Wear long pants, long sleeves, gloves.

Contact: Greg Duhamel grizroots401@gmail.com

Sun May 15. 1pm

North Burial Ground, 5 Branch Ave, Providence

Levi Leland leads a tour of the Friends and Relatives of Sarah Helen Whitman. Many know Sarah Helen Whitman as the brief romantic interest of one of literature's most famous stars, Edgar Allan Poe. On this tour, we will walk through her family tree, visiting her grave as well as the graves of those closest to her, all while learning a little more about one of Providence's most underrated and brilliant residents.

Meet in section AA of the cemetery. Enter cemetery from North Main St at Rochambeau pedestrian gate. Parking is available on North Main Street. 

Contact: levi@edgarallanpoeri.com 

https://edgarallanpoeri.com/ 

https://www.providenceri.gov/providence-parks/north-burial-ground/

May 15, 10am

Precious Blood Cemetery, Rathbun St/Diamond Hill Rd, Woonsocket

Join the Woonsocket Historical Society for a walking tour.

Contact Irene Blais Iblais198@aol.com

Weds., May 18, 1-3pm

Swan Point Cemetery 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence

“If Trees Could Talk.” Swan Point Cemetery’s Director of Horticulture Kelly M. Perry leads a tree walk. Meet outside Main office (parking available).

https://swanpointcemetery.com/

Limit: 40 | Registration required: anitav@swanpoint1846.com

 

May 21, 9am-noon

Cross Mills Public Burying Ground Old Post Rd, Charlestown

Annual clean-up of this public historic burying ground in anticipation of Memorial Day Parade gathering. If time permits, volunteers will tend the General Joseph Stanton monument and cemetery next to Wilcox Tavern.

Contact Pam Lyons pam@oceanhousemarina.com, Susan Angelo susan1angelo@icloud.com

Sat May 21 Flagging veterans' graves

Maple Root Cemetery, Harkney Hill Rd, Coventry

Bring yourself and a friend to participate in this longstanding tradition of honoring our veterans.

Contact: 401-523-5351

Sat May 21, 9am

Pocasset Cemetery, 417 Dyer Ave, Cranston

Cranston Cemetery Commission invites volunteers to a clean-up at Pocasset Cemetery

Contact: John Hill jhchcc167@gmail.com 

May 21, 11am

Common Burying Ground Warner St entrance Newport

Join volunteers to paint fencing at the Arnold Plot. The City will provide paint and brushes. Please wear clothing that can get messy.

Registration required: npthistoriccemeteries@gmail.com

Sat May 21 (and Saturdays), 1pm

Trinity Church Graveyard, Corner Spring/Church sts, Newport

Most of Trinity Churchyard’s 250 graves date to the 18th century, representing the fine work of stone carvers from the John Stevens Shop (still in operation today) and John Bull. If you miss the cemetery tour, you can visit the church 10am-4pm Saturdays.

Tour limit: 8.

https://www.trinitynewport.org/

Contact: TrinityTours100@gmail.com

May 21, 1pm

Casey Farm
2325 Boston Neck Rd, North Kingstown
meet at Casey Farm Market information table

Visit the Silas Casey Burial Ground, where 32 members of the Casey family were interred from the early 18th century through the mid-20th century. The small family burying ground is a significant feature of Casey Farm’s landscape, stewarded and interpreted by Historic New England.

https://www.historicnewengland.org/property/casey-farm/

Repeats May 28
Limit: 40

Sat May 21, 10am

Elm Grove Cemetery, 960 Tower Hill Rd, North Kingstown

Elm Grove Cemetery, North Kingstown's first public cemetery, is also its largest, holding more than 10,000 graves.  Join Town Historian for a walking tour that explores the history of South County.

May 21, 9-11am

Hotchkiss Cemetery, next to Union Cemetery (across from 108 Smithfield Rd), North Smithfield

There will be a walking tour of Hotchkiss Cemetery.

Contact: Rich Keene rfkeene6@gmail.com or Denis Chamberland – denis.p.chamberland@gmail.com 

Sat May 21, 11am

Hotchkiss Cemetery, next to Union Cemetery (across from 108 Smithfield Rd), North Smithfield

There will be a gravestone cleaning demonstration presented by Ed Walker.

Contact: Rich Keene rfkeene6@gmail.com or Denis Chamberland – denis.p.chamberland@gmail.com 

May 21, 1pm

North Burial Ground 5 Branch Ave Providence

Naturalist Greg Gerritt will lead a walking tour of amphibian habitats in North Burial Ground, focusing on Ridgeside Lake and a small rainwater pool. Participants will learn how to spot amphibian refuges, and they may also encounter young hawks about to fledge in the cemetery. 

https://www.youtube.com/user/Moshassuckcritters 

Limit: 40 

Contact: Greg Gerritt: gerritt@mindspring.com to reserve a spot

Sat May 21, 9am

Conservation Cabin (behind police station), 125 Pleasant View Ave, Smithfield

Join volunteers to continue their perpetual care program and clean-ups every other Saturday morning.

Contact: Skip Tuetken friendsofsmithfieldcemeteries@gmail.com

May 21, 10am

Zebina Cook Lot, rear of Bissonnette Field on Elder Ballou Rd, Woonsocket

Greg Duhamel leads a walking tour for Woonsocket Historical Society and Blackstone Valley Historical Society.

Contact: Greg Duhamel grizroots401@gmail.com

Sun May 22, 11:30am

Grace Church Cemetery 10 Elmwood Ave Providence 

Anne Tait leads a tour of Russell Warren's grave designs. She is a Professor of Art at Roger Williams University and the former artist-in-residence at Grace Church Cemetery. 

https://www.gracechurchcemeteryri.org/history

Sunday May 22, 12:30-3pm

North Burial Ground, 5 Branch Ave., Providence

Witness a conversation between Stephen Hopkins (portrayed by Fran Leazes), signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Charles Haskell (portrayed by Rochelle Coleman), a Black Revolutionary War soldier who was once enslaved, about the Declaration of Independence. You’ll “meet” each man, watch their discussion, and have an opportunity for questions. After the presentation, tour the North Burial Ground.

The easiest parking for this event is the free parking along North Main Street. You can enter through the main cemetery gates, or through the gate at the Groden Greenhouse. Meet at North Burial Ground office, where NBG director, Annalisa Heppner will give a brief history of North Burial Ground and lead the group to the Stephen Hopkins lot.

There is no limit for this program, but please RSVP on Facebook at https://fb.me/e/1OtEdAKMc [fb.me]: or via email at northburialground@providenceri.gov

Tuesday May 24, 6pm

East Greenwich Free Library, 82 Peirce St, East Greenwich

Archaeologists Joseph (Jay) Waller Jr. and Gregory Dubell of Public Archaeology Laboratory present "East Greenwich’s Historic Cemeteries: Protecting the Town’s Past Residents." The East Greenwich Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission is charged with increasing awareness and maintenance of its many burial grounds. Development is increasingly encroaching upon the town’s historic graveyards, which are protected under state law. This presentation serves a primer on The Rhode Island Cemeteries Act and will draw on local examples summarizing state-supported strategies for establishing cemetery boundaries to avoid unmarked graves and implementing cemetery protection and management strategies. While focusing on East Greenwich, this program is open to anyone interested in the local graveyards in Rhode Island and their protection.

Contact Greg Dubell gdubell@palinc.com 

Thurs May 26, 6:30pm

Jamestown Philomenian Library 26 North Rd, Jamestown

Jamestown Historical Society presents a screening of “Cemetery Tour – Stories in Stone.” The video features costumed interpreters telling the stories of locals buried at the Cedar, Friends, and Hazard Family Cemeteries.

Contact: Rosemary Enright rxenright@gmail.com  

Saturday, May 28, 12pm

Bristol Historical & Preservation Society, 48 Court St, Bristol

Lew Keen, Chairman of the Newport Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission, presents a lecture on the Art of Gravestone Carving. Examine the various styles of headstone art, learn their meaning and significance, and see how they appear in the historic cemeteries of Rhode Island.

This event is part of Bristol Historical & Preservation Society’s All About Cemeteries program on May 28. For more information, visit https://bhpsri.org

Contact: info@bhps.necoxmail.com

 

Sat May 28 (and Saturdays), 1pm

Trinity Church Graveyard, Corner Spring/Church sts, Newport

Most of Trinity Churchyard’s 250 graves date to the 18th century, representing the fine work of stone carvers from the John Stevens Shop (still in operation today) and John Bull. If you miss the cemetery tour, you can visit the church 10am-4pm Saturdays.

Tour limit: 8.

https://www.trinitynewport.org/

Contact: TrinityTours100@gmail.com

May 28, 11am

Casey Farm 2325 Boston Neck Rd, North Kingstown
meet at Casey Farm Market information table

Visit the Silas Casey Burial Ground, where 32 members of the Casey family were interred from the early 18th century through the mid-20th century. The small family burying ground is a significant feature of Casey Farm’s landscape, stewarded and interpreted by Historic New England.

https://www.historicnewengland.org/property/casey-farm/

Limit: 40

Sat May 28, 10am

James Babcock Grounds, next to 42 Watch Hill Rd, Westerly

Lawrence Hunter and the Phebe Greene Ward Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter will dedicate new flag holders provided by RI Sons of the American Revolution for 3 Revolutionary soldiers. Come jump start Memorial Day weekend.

May 28-30, 9am

Coventry/West Warwick tbd

Flagging veterans' graves tbd

May tbd

Post 19, American Legion, Scituate

Post 19 American Legion hosts an event to flag veterans' cemeteries and graves 

https://www.facebook.com/ScituatePost19/

Contact Skye Pechie tmbgambassador@gmail.com, Fred Faria ftfaria001@gmail.com 

ONGOING (APRIL - MAY)

Ongoing April – May

St. Columba’s Churchyard 55 Vaucluse Ave, Middletown

Enter through the lych-gate (1897) to enjoy this audio tour of the historic churchyard and its notable burials, including several stones by the John Stevens Shop in Newport.

www.stcolumbaschapel.org/about-us  (see “The Churchyard”)

April - May (ongoing)

North Burial Ground 5 Branch Ave, Providence

Let’s play Headstone Bingo—a family friendly search and find Bingo game with headstone iconography. Download the Bingo game from the NBG website (below) and take your family on a self-guided exploration of the cemetery.

https://www.providenceri.gov/providence-parks/north-burial-ground-tours/

April - May (ongoing)

North Burial Ground 5 Branch Ave, Providence

Celebrate NBG’s earliest burials by finding our earliest headstones (1700-1799) and photographing your favorite details. Be creative: a perfect headstone doesn’t necessarily make the best photo! Be careful: don’t modify stones or attempt to move them. To share: Tag @pvdnorthburialground on Facebook or Instagram—or—DM your photo to NBG on fb or ig—or—Email northburialground@providenceri.gov with subject “1700s Photo Contest.” The NBG staff will compile our 10 favorite photos and put them to a vote on NBG’s Facebook and Instagram!

https://www.providenceri.gov/providence-parks/north-burial-ground/

 

Memoria: Care Work and Memory in the Free Grounds. This new website honors the memory of the residents of the Potter’s Field and Free Ground at Providence’s North Burial Ground.

https://thefreegrounds.squarespace.com/