Island Cemetery Newport hosted a one day workshop in Newport to consider how the seven contiguous historic cemeteries (which include Island Cemetery and Annex, Common Burial Ground, Friends Cemetery, the Common Burial Ground, Braman, North Burial Ground and St. Mary’s) might collaborate on developing an achievable vision for connecting and developing their open space.
Important elements included the common goals of the public and private cemeteries and descendants, the surrounding community, visitors, historic researchers, and the City of Newport. and Newport’s Tree and Open Space Master Plan.
Tanya Kelley of PLACEstudio, LLC facilitated the workshop which was funded by the van Beuren Charitable Foundation and held at the Marriott on Friday, April 19th. Matthew Stevens, President and Executive Director of Mount Auburn Cemetery, delivered a keynote talk to the group, followed by a summary presentation of the historic burial grounds in Newport by Lew Keen, former Chairman of the Newport Historic Cemetery Advisory Commission.
In summary,
The workshop focused on various aspects of cemetery preservation, exploring both the historical significance and the practical methods of maintaining cemetery grounds. Participants engaged in discussions about the cultural and emotional importance of cemeteries as spaces for remembrance and reflection.
The session included presentations on identifying and addressing common preservation challenges, such as weathering of stones, invasive vegetation, and the impact of urban development. Attendees learned about best practices for restoration of gravestones and the importance of documenting historical records.
Hands-on activities allowed participants to practice cleaning techniques and understand the tools necessary for effective preservation. The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, where attendees could share experiences and seek advice on specific issues related to their local cemeteries, fostering a sense of community among guardians of these historical sites.
Stakeholder participation in the workshop was diverse and engaged. Representatives from local government, community organizations, and resident groups were present, each bringing valuable insights and perspectives.
The workshop began with an overview of the objectives and topics for discussion, followed by breakout sessions where stakeholders shared their experiences related to the cemetery's management and future plans. Participants were encouraged to voice their concerns, suggestions, and aspirations, fostering an open dialogue.
Interactive activities allowed stakeholders to prioritize issues and potential solutions, ensuring that all voices were heard. The facilitators emphasized the importance of collaborative planning, which resonated with attendees. Feedback was collected through surveys and group discussions to capture the full range of opinions.
The event concluded with a synthesis of the key takeaways, highlighting areas of consensus and identifying next steps for ongoing collaboration. Overall, the participation reflected a strong commitment to community engagement and a shared vision for the cemetery’s future.