Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel County, established 1650, county seat Annapolis.

Anne Arundel County Cemetery Preservation Programs

The Anne Arundel County Genealogical Society has collected comprehensive records and inscriptions for its 500+ burial sites for decades, resulting in several publications. Anne Arundel County’s primary regulatory tool authorizes cultural resources staff to review site development activities for potential adverse effects on archaeological sites and cemeteries.

Libraries and Archives in Anne Arundel County that offer genealogical resources to patrons [PDF]

For discussion of Anne Arundel’s cemetery review and a link to its preservation easement template: [PDF]
http://www.aacounty.org/departments/planning-and-zoning/cultural-resources/cemeteries/

Link to the County’s development code as pertains to cemeteries – see 17-6-503:
http://www.aacounty.org/departments/planning-and-zoning/forms-and-publications/Article_17.pdf

To search properties by address or tax account number and determine if they are flagged as containing a cemetery:   http://www.aacounty.org/departments/planning-and-zoning/cultural-resources/historic-properties/historicPropertiesSearch.html

If you know of a property with a cemetery that is not flagged in Anne Arundel County’s database, contact:
Anastasia Poulos, Archaeological Sites Planner, 410-222-7486, pzpoul44@aacounty.org

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We are proud to acknowledge the accomplish of our member, Tina Simmons, who has published a booklet entitled, “Anne Arundel County Cemetery Art” in conjunction with the Anne Arundel Genealogical Society and assistance from the Trader Foundation for Maryland Burial Sites. The booklet highlights the various artforms of gravestone markings throughout Anne Arundel County.

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Anne Arundel County’s Citizen Preservation Stewardship Program

We need your help documenting the current condition of cemeteries in Anne Arundel County. Anne Arundel has the largest number of known cemeteries in Maryland as well as the oldest known tombstones.

Up until the 20th century, it was common to establish a small family cemetery on private land. Unfortunately, unchecked development and vandalism has destroyed above ground traces of these important cultural resources. Small family cemeteries hold an important place in the fabric of our communities, and the names found on the headstones are often found as the names to nearby roads or geographic features. These cemeteries represent the resting place of those who made Anne Arundel County the place it is today. In order to preserve these cues to the past, and respect the last resting place of our ancestors, County regulations do not allow cemeteries to be moved from their original location. To find out more and to sign up, visit www.aacounty.org/cemeteries.  [Download the flyer and share with your community]

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Article 17: Subdivision and Development

SUBTITLE 5. HISTORIC RESOURCES, ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES, AND CEMETERIES           17-6-503. Cemeteries.

(a) Cemetery identification.

The location and boundary of an onsite cemetery shall be determined by one of the following methods, in consultation with the Office of Planning and Zoning:

(1) a survey using professionally acceptable methods and techniques, including archival research, archaeology, geophysical survey methods, oral history, or other approved techniques;

(2) observations in the field including visible grave stones or markers, a pattern of depressions indicative of graves or associated fence boundaries; or

(3) reference to a modern map or plat or evidence found on historic maps or documents.

(b) Preservation.

A developer shall preserve an onsite cemetery, as follows:

(1) grading, construction, or subsurface disturbance within 25 feet of the cemetery boundary is prohibited;

(2) appropriate measures shall be taken to protect the cemetery during construction, such as a field-delineated limit of disturbance zone, temporary fencing, or other appropriate physical markings;

(3) a 15-foot right-of-way from the nearest public or private road shall be required to maintain public or family access to the cemetery; and

(4) a preservation and maintenance easement shall be provided that designates a homeowner’s association or other person or organization as the party responsible for care, maintenance, and protection of the site.

(Bill No. 3-05)