Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns and manages Ancient Cemetery?
Ancient Cemetery is one of seven cemeteries owned and managed by the Town of Yarmouth. The Friends of Ancient Cemetery volunteers work closely with the town cemetery manager, Bill Bullock, in everything we do.
How old is the Cemetery?
No one knows for sure when the first burials took place, but it was probably very close in time to the establishment of the settlement's first meeting house in the early 1630s or 1640s, believed to have been located near the large landmark boulder in the center of the burying ground. The earliest graves were likely left unmarked or identified by field stones or impermanent wooden posts or rails.
How are the Friends funded?
The Friends of Ancient Cemetery volunteer project is funded through grants and donations.
Will you clean my relative's gravestone?
Please contact us. We have trained volunteers who may be able to do the work in exchange for a contribution to the FoAC.
Can I clean a gravestone myself?
Only trained persons using the correct tools and cleaning products should clean gravestones. These old gravestones are fragile and especially susceptible to damage from pressure, chemicals, and well meaning efforts. Please do not attempt to clean any slate or marble markers without specific training. Never use household cleaning products, stiff brushes, bleach, pressure, etc.
Are gravestone rubbings allowed?
No, rubbings and chaulking are never allowed in the cemetery.
I'd like to visit a grave. Can you tell me where someone buried?
The Town of Yarmouth uses a website database called CemeteryFind. Once on the website select Massachusetts, then Yarmouth, then Ancient Cemetery, then search for a name. After you have found the correct person, you can view details, or click "Map it" to locate the specific lot location within the cemetery.