The Maple Ridge Museum is looking for volunteers to work in its Headstone Preservation Project.
The Maple Ridge Cemetery and Whonnock Cemetery have graves dating back hundreds of years. Many of the people buried there are early settlers of our community, and do not have anyone left to care for their resting place. The oldest recorded headstone in the Maple Ridge Cemetery is from 1883. There were early burials on a private lot in the city during the 1870s.
Girl Guides got to work at the first event at Maple Ridge Cemetery on June 9, pulling up sod that threatened to completely cover flat grave markers, and cleaning markers and headstones.
There are eight more sessions, scheduled from June 18 through Sept. 12, at both local cemeteries. Each session is three hours. Five more sessions will be in Maple Ridge, and three in Whonnock.
Museum community engagement coordinator Abby Lizee said the sessions improve the condition of headstones.
“We’re never going to be able to cover the whole cemetery in one go, but each session helps,” said Lizee. “Last year we did more than 700 stones over six sessions.”
“We aim for better, not perfect, and we let people pick the ones that speak to them.”
She asks that groups and individual volunteers take part in this “important, unique, and memorable project.”
Pre-reservation is required and all ages are welcome, but youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. She said the events are a great way to give back to the community, while enjoying the outdoors with family.
Volunteers must provide their own cleaning supplies. A list will be sent out prior to the day.
For more information, or to sign up, see mapleridgemuseum.org.