History buffs and curious locals are in for a treat as Jim Spears, co-chair of the Tiverton Historical Cemeteries Commission, prepares to share insights on the town’s old burial grounds. The free talk is scheduled for May 27 at 6 p.m. at the Tiverton Public Library.
During the hour-long presentation, Spears will walk attendees through cemetery practices from colonial times to today, shining a light on some of Tiverton’s 91 known historical cemeteries.
One highlight of the talk will be a discussion of notable gravestones, including the oldest known memorial in town – Elizabeth Rogers’ well-preserved slate headstone in the Philip Cory Lot.
Spears will also touch on the commission’s past, current, and future restoration projects for cemeteries and gravestones.
The Tiverton Historical Cemeteries Commission plays a crucial role in preserving local history. They’re responsible for maintaining headstones, grounds, and walls of historical cemeteries identified in a 1956 Rhode Island Graves Registration Committee survey. The commission also documents and cares for similar historically significant sites not included in the original survey.
Anyone interested in local history is welcome to attend the event at the library, located at 34 Roosevelt Ave. in Tiverton.
