Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 500 - Advisory Commission on Historical Cemeterie
Title 500 of the Rhode Island Code of Regulations pertains to the Advisory Commission on Historical Cemeteries, which is tasked with the protection, preservation, and promotion of Rhode Island's historical cemeteries. These regulations are designed to guide the activities of the Commission and set out the responsibilities of stakeholders involved in cemetery preservation.
1. Purpose of the Advisory Commission
The Advisory Commission on Historical Cemeteries serves as a body that advises the state on the preservation, maintenance, and restoration of historical cemeteries within Rhode Island.
The Commission aims to ensure that historical cemeteries, which may be at risk of deterioration or neglect, are protected for future generations. This includes providing guidance on the legal, financial, and operational aspects of cemetery management.
2. Commission’s Authority and Structure
Creation of the Commission: The Commission was established to provide advice to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and local communities on how to properly preserve historical cemeteries.
Membership: The Commission is typically made up of experts and representatives in areas such as history, archaeology, architecture, and local governance. The membership guidelines define the selection process and terms of service for commission members.
Roles and Responsibilities: The Commission’s responsibilities may include reviewing applications for preservation funding, offering advice on preservation strategies, and collaborating with local historical societies or cemetery boards. It also serves as a liaison between the public and the state.
3. Identification and Designation of Historical Cemeteries
Criteria for Historical Cemeteries: Title 500 outlines the criteria for designating a cemetery as "historical." This often includes age, historical significance, notable individuals buried, or unique cultural or architectural features.
Nomination Process: Cemeteries that meet the designated criteria can be nominated for recognition as historical sites. The regulations define the process for submitting nominations, including documentation, review procedures, and final approval by the Commission.
State and National Registers: If a cemetery is deemed historically significant, the Commission may help it get listed in the National Register of Historic Places or other state-level historic preservation registers.
4. Preservation and Maintenance Guidelines
Protection of Historical Cemeteries: The regulations provide guidance on how to properly preserve and protect cemeteries from damage, vandalism, and natural decay. This includes the use of specific materials for repairs, proper cleaning techniques, and recommended maintenance practices.
Restoration Projects: Title 500 outlines the process for restoring historical cemeteries, including the need for professional assessment, planning, and compliance with preservation standards.
Repair of Monuments and Markers: There are specific guidelines for repairing gravestones, monuments, and other markers in a manner that preserves their historical integrity while ensuring they are structurally safe.
5. Funding for Cemetery Preservation
Grants and Financial Assistance: The regulations discuss the availability of grants, public funds, and private donations that can be used for cemetery preservation projects. The Commission may oversee the distribution of preservation funds and ensure that these funds are used appropriately.
Application Process for Funding: The regulations specify how individuals, local governments, or organizations can apply for financial assistance to restore or maintain historical cemeteries. This includes the necessary forms, deadlines, and evaluation criteria.
Matching Funds: Some grants may require matching funds, either from private donations, local governments, or other organizations, to ensure that projects have sufficient resources to move forward.
6. Public Education and Outreach
Raising Awareness: The Commission is tasked with promoting public awareness of the importance of preserving historical cemeteries. This may include educational campaigns, lectures, publications, and public events.
Community Involvement: The regulations encourage community involvement in cemetery preservation efforts. Local groups, schools, and residents can engage in projects such as clean-up days, research, and local tours.
Cemetery Preservation Workshops: The Commission may offer workshops or training sessions on best practices for cemetery maintenance and restoration. These may be targeted at volunteers, local historians, or preservationists.
7. Legal Considerations
Ownership and Liability: Title 500 includes provisions related to the ownership of historical cemeteries and the legal responsibilities of those who maintain them. This includes landowners, local governments, and preservation groups.
Vandalism and Legal Protections: The Commission works with law enforcement to address issues of vandalism and neglect in historical cemeteries. There are legal mechanisms in place to protect historical markers and monuments from damage.
Cemetery Laws: Title 500 may reference relevant state laws that govern the operation of cemeteries, including laws related to burial, land use, and the rights of descendants of those interred.
8. Research and Documentation
Historical Research: The Commission may support research into the history of cemeteries, including genealogical records, burial practices, and the identification of historically significant individuals interred in these cemeteries.
Documentation and Record Keeping: Title 500 outlines the need for proper documentation of cemetery sites, including maps, burial records, photographs, and condition assessments. This is crucial for both preservation and historical study.
Cemetery Surveys: The Commission may conduct surveys of cemeteries to assess their condition, document their significance, and prioritize them for preservation efforts.
9. Collaboration with Local and National Entities
Local Government Collaboration: The regulations encourage coordination between the Advisory Commission, local government agencies, historical societies, and other stakeholders involved in cemetery preservation.
National Preservation Efforts: Title 500 may align the Commission’s efforts with broader national preservation initiatives, connecting Rhode Island’s efforts with regional and national historical preservation programs.
10. Reporting and Accountability
Annual Reports: The Commission is likely required to submit annual reports to the state government, detailing its activities, funding allocations, preservation progress, and challenges faced during the year.
Public Access to Records: The Commission may ensure that records related to historical cemeteries, including funding requests, restoration plans, and surveys, are accessible to the public and interested parties.
Conclusion
Title 500 – Advisory Commission on Historical Cemeteries sets the framework for the preservation and protection of Rhode Island's historical cemeteries. The Commission’s role is vital in maintaining these sites as cultural and historical landmarks, ensuring they are not lost to time or neglect. The regulations cover a broad spectrum, including designation, preservation, funding, community involvement, and legal protections, all with the goal of maintaining these important heritage sites for future generations.
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