First Parish Burial Ground

08/20/2024

Photos from a great event on August 14, 2024, the Gloucester City Cemeteries Committee is hosted a FREE national gravestone preservation workshop, the 5th Annual 48 State Tour (https://48statetour.com/ ). This public event is to be held at First Parish Burial Ground, Gloucester, MA. This all-day event is hands-on. The goal of this national tour is to help save America’s cemeteries.

For nearly 25 years Jonathan Appell has completed restoration projects and training covering every state in the continental United States and along the way, also restored
the oldest gravestone in America, “The Knight’s Tomb” in Jamestown, VA
https://historicjamestowne.org/archaeology/1617-church/knights-tomb/.

08/05/2024

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On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 9:00 AM, the Gloucester City Cemeteries Committee is hosting a FREE national gravestone preservation workshop, the 5th Annual 48 State Tour (https://48statetour.com/ ). This public event is to be held at First Parish Burial Ground, Gloucester, MA. This all-day event is hands-on. The goal of this national tour is to help save America’s cemeteries.

For nearly 25 years Jonathan Appell has completed restoration projects and training covering every state in the continental United States and along the way, also restored
the oldest gravestone in America, “The Knight’s Tomb” in Jamestown, VA
https://historicjamestowne.org/archaeology/1617-church/knights-tomb/.

No experience necessary on the 14th - just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn & get involved! Let's work together to preserve one of Gloucester’s final resting places. For all the details please visit and register, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-gloucester-cemetery-restoration-hands-on-event-tickets-952821393437
Questions, please contact Chris at [email protected]

Join us for an in-person all-day hands-on cemetery event to learn how to clean gravestones and participate in cemetery restoration technique

10/30/2023

The article about us, Epoch Preservation, started out with a description of me walking into First Parish Burying Ground in 2014 when we dedicated ourselves to saving it. Whenever I give an interview I am asked how I started in the gravestone conservation business.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/10/29/lifestyle/epoch-preservation-uses-artistry-attention-detail-bring-historical-gravestones-back-life/?fbclid=IwAR2KyPBbK1P7wPqvpw6mX0fkE2tlvn2m-63V9f84k2IkcjFYTP-fYblj2Mc

The company repairs more than 250 gravestones a year, working in cemeteries across New England, primarily focusing on Boston, the North Shore, and southern New Hampshire.

10/16/2023

Oak Grove Cemetery tour was reset for Sunday, Oct 29th at 3PM.
The Sunday tour is now cancelled because Courtney, the primary guide, has Covid.

The G400+ Cemetery Tour Series Concludes:

"Notable Mariners, Historians, Philanthropists & Artists"

Oak Grove Cemetery
177 Washington Street, Gloucester

Meet at the main entrance of the cemetery near the Bradford Memorial Chapel.
Parking is on Washington Street since there is no parking in the cemetery.

For registration and details please go to the Eventbrite link below:

Attend a free walking tour of Oak Grove Cemetery to hear stories of a number of notable individuals and families who called Gloucester home.

09/20/2023

The women and widows

09/19/2023

Tour photos from September 17, 2023 photos courtesy Mary Catherine Kingsley

09/17/2023

Great event today

09/14/2023

The cemetery tour has been changed to Sunday September 17, 2023 due to the storm.

09/01/2023

Gloucester Cemeteries: a Rededication, a Tour, and Time to Explore
On Saturday, September 16th (Rain date September 17th) join us to observe the rededication of a cemetery, attend a walking tour of American Revolutionary Veterans, and spend time exploring two cemeteries. For more information and registration go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gloucester-cemeteries-a-rededication-a-tour-and-time-to-explore-tickets-709469240597

9:45AM-11:00AM: Observe the commemoration and rededication of Clark’s Cemetery by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (suvcw.org) including a gun salute.

11:15AM – 12:15PM: Attend a walking tour led by the knowledgeable guide, David Nunes, who will share fascinating narratives and tales about the American Revolutionary Veterans buried in First Parish Burial Ground.

12:15PM-1:30PM: Time to explore both cemeteries at your own pace. There will be cemetery maps and self-guided handouts to help you appreciate the historic gravestones, discover possible ancestors, view intricate carvings, see an underground tomb, and walk the peaceful surroundings of these cemeteries. Members of the 400+ Burial Grounds and Cemeteries Committee will be available to assist you and answer questions as you reflect on the lives lived and the legacies left behind.

Observe the rededication of a cemetery, attend a walking tour of American Revolutionary Veterans, and spend time exploring two cemeteries.

07/11/2023

More tour photos

07/09/2023

Great tour today! Thank you all for attending!