Preserving the historic cemeteries of Riley County through community initiative
There are approximately thirty-five cemeteries in Riley County that have been identified as historic. Of those, not a one is listed on either the national or state historic registries. While Manhattan's major cemeteries (Sunset and Sunrise) are managed by the municipal government, the others are either managed by township supervisors, volunteer boards, or completely private.
As much as the sites are revered and respected, we often find that cemeteries are overlooked in regard to active historic preservation projects. Often times, those managing the cemeteries find themselves overwhelmed with responsibilities, yet under-funded of much needed preservation, conservation, and maintenance budgets.
That is where we come in. In the fall of 2023, the Museum staff realized that there were no coordinated, community oriented, cemetery preservation projects or education taking place locally. In fact, there was not much opportunity within a 100-mile radius either! So, the team began traveling to meet with headstone and monument restoration specialists with the intent to bring a cemetery preservation education program to Riley County and its neighbors.
By 2024, staff members had received training and education from representatives and programs of the National Park Service, the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, and from some of the nation's most respected monument restoration specialists. That same year, the Riley County Historical Museum began hosting headstone cleaning workshops at various Riley County cemeteries and those of neighboring counties.
Putting the plan into action
To date, the staff and guest specialists have taught over 100 volunteer participants the basics of cleaning historic headstones through hands-on workshops, with the hope that they can employ those skills in the cemeteries of their own communities. During the 2024 season, 175 historic headstones have been cleaned and given basic conservation treatment as a result of this initiative.
Get involved
If you would like to learn more about this program or if you are interested in hosting a workshop in your community, please contact us. We provide the basic workshops free of charge, but they must be open to the public.
If you wish to donate toward this program, please use the following button. Donations help cover the cost of travel, cleaning supplies, and tools for workshop participants.
Click Here to Support the Cemetery Preservation Initiative
Our team adheres to the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation and uses only non-chemical, NPS recommended cleaners and tools. We firmly adhere to the preservation philosophy of, "do no harm."
Learn more about Riley County's historic cemeteries from our friends at the Riley County Genealogical Society.
