"Cemeteries in Genealogy Research" - with Krista Horrocks presentation - November 19 2024

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Thanking Krista for all of her extensive research on the topics that impact cemeteries and the preservation of them, particularly here in Ohio, ranging from stressing the importance of documentation, understanding how the Ohio Revised Codes (laws) impact Ohio's cemeteries, and the importance of researching burial records including the W.P.A. individual veterans' grave cards, and the companion records mostly popularly known as the W.P.A. Cemetery Plat or Plot Maps that are most often found on county Recorder's websites.  Krista points out on the Ohio map the counties where we are still looking to find those cemetery maps for that county.  The Civilian Grave Cards at the O.H.C. are also discussed in this presentation.

How protecting and preserving our ancestors' gravesites helps let their legacies live on through the generations that come after them.  We can do our part to grant them the respect they deserve and to ensure they are not forgotten.

Thank you to the Ohio History Connection and to the Ohio Genealogical Society -- Ohio's most respected resources for Ohio history and Ohio genealogy -- for facilitating this presentation to the public.  Krista Horrocks' presentation is important for all of us researching our ancestors' lives.  Krista does a wonderful job of bringing it all together in a comprehensive manner on this vast subject, thus enhancing our education and answering so many of our questions.  

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Below is a link to the useful handout for Krista's presentation.:
https://www.ogs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CemeteriesforGeneaologyResearch_20241119_Reference-List.pdf

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Echoes Extra: This Place of Silence - Ohio’s Cemeteries and Burial Grounds - The Ohio History Connection - Krista Horrocks

The book:  "This Place of Silence Ohio's Cemeteries and Burial Grounds" 

Announcement: Saturday, May 6, 2023 - at 10:00a.m. - Marion County Genealogical Society, Marion, Ohio - Krista Horrocks presents "Cemetery 101" program.

Krista Horrocks will be giving a presentation this coming Saturday, May 6th, 2023 for the Marion County Chapter of O.G.S.: 

Entitled:"Cemeteries 101":

******May 6 at 10:00 a.m.******

"Krista Horrocks, an archeologist with the Ohio State Historic Preservation office, of the Ohio History Connection"

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https://marionohmags.weebly.com/

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Location of meeting.:

169 E Church St, Marion, OH 43302, Marion County Historical Society

Contact Information

"Cemeteries 101"

Did you know that the Ohio History Connection (OHC) has a blog? Here are links to a two-part blog series written by OHC's Krista Horrocks - Projects Review Manager at the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office

This subject just might come under the "Who knew?" category -  or a nagging question - that begs a good answer.  So here it is.:  

Yes the Ohio History Connection (OHC) (formerly the Ohio Historical Society) has a blog.  The blog is specific to historic preservation in the State of Ohio.

When we consider historic preservation perhaps the first thoughts top of mind are the preservation of structures or perhaps battle sites, but not in this case.  

This blog is in two-parts discussing the discovery Krista Horrocks made of two grave markers that mysteriously were moved from their original gravesite locations to being on display at the Ohio History Connection! Each has their own story and Krista spotlights them individually in their own post.  

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The first blog post was published on February 21, 2023 entitled.:  

"Two Gravestones Out of Place: Part 1of 2 The Emma Kearnes Stone" 

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The second blog post was published on April 4, 2023 entitled.:

"Two Gravestones out of Place: Part 2 of 2 The Micheal Brucker Stone"

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Each marker has its own history separate from the other.  However, thanks to their common fate, their final destination brought them together at the OHC's Ohio Village. 

Krista Horrocks tells us the rest of their stories! Her outstanding sleuthing skills have served these markers well.  

Sharing her results as she has enables us to learn so much more about them and their history that inspires us to take the same steps if we were faced with the same situation!  

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Reminder: Curator Talk - Researching and Preserving Ohio's Cemeteries - May 5, 2023 from 2:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. - by Krista Horrocks - Ohio History Connection

What a wonderful opportunity for those who seek to learn more about researching and preserving Ohio's cemeteries!

 The upcoming program by Krista Horrocks, Project Reviews Manager of Archaeology of the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office, at the Ohio History Connection will provide this presentation on May 5, 2023 from 2:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. at the Ohio History Connection.  

See the website for further details! 

"As an archaeologist, she reviews projects under section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and serves as OHC’s cemetery preservationist, where she helps Ohioans with their research of the 14,630+ cemeteries in the state. She specializes in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) veteran grave registry efforts that took place from 1938-1940, which documented cemeteries and burial locations throughout the state."

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Contact information:

800.686.6124info@ohiohistory.orgAdult - $16Student (w/ID) - $14Senior (60+) - $14Child (4-12) - $10Child (3 & under) - FreeOhio History Connection member - Free

Sharing updates regarding the removal of human remains still buried at the old North Graveyard in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio

Sharing two links to February, 2023 updates to stories regarding the excavation at what was once the North Graveyard in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.

The first story is from CoumbusUnderground.com  Entitled - "Archaeologists Unearthed 40 Graves at North Market in 2022" - by Jesse Bethea dated February 7, 2023.  

Excerpt:

Sharing this important quote by Krista Horrocks of the Ohio History Connection - Project Reviews Manager, State Historic Preservation Office:

“We might find what appears to be one burial shaft, but then when you remove all the human remains and you do osteological analysis you realize that you actually have kind of a jumble or multiple sets of human remains in that one burial,” said Horrocks. 

“That can happen from any kind of historic or modern disturbance of the area. So we know historically that what is the North Market parking lot now had other buildings sitting atop it at other times.”

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On February 9, 2023, WOSU News Public Media in Columbus presented an extensive account of the history regarding this project, Entitled.:

"North Graveyard in downtown Columbus to be excavated before Merchant Building constructed." 

The report includes a 4:37 minute interview with Krista Horrocks.:

"Horrocks said the remains of the people left behind at the site deserve a proper burial. “It'd be really great to finally properly be able to honor and memorialize the people that were left behind unfortunately," she said.

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For further reference.:

A link to the North Graveyard (AKA Old North Graveyard) on Find A Grave. 

Sharing this link from "Heritage Ohio" - Their publication - "Revitalize Ohio" - "The Search for African American Cemeteries in Ohio" - By Krista Horrocks

It is indeed my pleasure to share this link to the Summer 2022 edition of "Revitalize Ohio" by "Heritage Ohio".  

Please note this wonderful article on pages 8, 9 and 10.:

"The Search for African American Cemeteries in Ohio" - by Krista Horrocks. 

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Sincere thanks to Krista for all of her work in this field!  
And,

A huge thank you to Krista for mentioning this blog in the footnotes on page 10! 

Please note the W.P.A. Cemetery Plat maps are shown on page 9.  

As we have learned, these maps can hold important informational value beyond their initial primary reason for being which was for identifying veterans gravesites.

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Spotlighting the contributions and achievements of Krista Horrocks, Project Reviews Manager, at the Ohio History Connection's State Historic Preservation Office

I will fall far short here listing and describing all of the achievements Krista Horrocks - Project Reviews Manager of the Ohio History Connection's State Historic Preservation Office that have advanced the cause of cemetery preservation in Ohio.  However, it is my pleasure to try by at least focusing on some of Krista's more recent ones. 

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Krista has been quite active advocating for the full conservation of the Old Fredericktown Cemetery in Knox County, Ohio including conducting hands-on preservation work at the cemetery.  Krista has created a Facebook Page devoted to this early Ohio cemetery enabling followers to keep updated of the progress.

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Krista is a contributing member of the Association for Gravestone Studies as well as the Ohio Chapter of the Association for Gravestone Studies

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Krista has given presentations at Ohio Genealogical Society conferences and at some of its chapter monthly meetings.

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Please note, there is an upcoming meeting at the Morrow County, Ohio Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society - August 20, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.:
"Join us as Krista Horrocks, Archeologist with the Ohio History Connection , presents Ohio Cemeteries 101. Do you have questions about an old cemetery? This is your opportunity to ask those questions and learn about cemetery preservation, access, laws, and more."

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Also, visit the Ohio Archaeological Counsel's website where you can learn more about what Krista has been doing.:

"Human Burial Places Protection. Work on this matter with the Ohio History Connection (OHC) and its State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) continues. It is listed as a priority for the Executive Director and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in OHC’s 2021 – 2031 Strategic Plan. 

Ohio Archaeological Council (OAC) member and SHPO staffer Krista Horrocks wrote an article titled “Ohio Cemeteries are in Grave Danger: A Call to Action” in the September-October 2021 issue of OHC’s Echoes Magazine."

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AND:

"S. 3667/H.R. 6805, African American (AA) Burial Grounds Preservation Program. Introduced February 16, 2022, by Ohio Senator Brown and Utah Sen. Romney, and referred to Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. On February 22, a bipartisan companion bill, H.R. 6805, was introduced in the House and referred to its Committee on Natural Resources. It has six cosponsors, including Ohio Rep. Beatty. The bills would establish a program at the National Park Service to provide grant opportunities and technical assistance to local partners to research, identify, survey, and preserve these burial grounds 

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3667?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22s3667%22%2C%22s3667%22%5D%7D&s=1&r=1. 

Senator Brown’s office contacted Tonetti requesting information on AA burial grounds in northern Ohio. He sent his office some useful information. Krista Horrocks at SHPO is compiling relevant information for all of Ohio for Senator Brown." 

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Also,

I wish to take this opportunity to offer my personal appreciation to Krista Horrocks for her so kindly nominating me for the Association for Gravestone Studies' Oakley Certificate of Merit for 2022.  Her thoughtful and generous gesture resulted in my receiving this prestigious award.  Krista's information submitted for consideration included mentions of this blog which began in 2008, and the Facebook Group "Preserving Ohio's Cemeteries" which was created in 2013.

Additionally, Krista attended the A.G.S. Conference and graciously accepted the Oakley Certificate of Merit on my behalf.  

Thank you Krista!

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Below are some photographs captured from a video taken during Krista's acceptance speech on June 18, 2022 during the A.G.S. Conference.:  

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"Historic Cemeteries and Gravestones" - Sharing from the Ohio History Connection's - Krista Horrocks

REMINDER: Saturday, August 29, 2020 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.- Jonathan Appell workshop at the Old Fredericktown Cemetery in Knox County, Ohio

Facebook Page for the Old Fredericktown Cemetery Preservation Project

"Preservation Workshop This weekend in Fredericktown" 

Mount Vernon News - August 26, 2020

By Rosie Cosens

"FREDERICKTOWN – The Old Fredericktown Cemetery Preservation Project (OFCPP) will host Jon Appell, founder of the National Gravestone Preservation Tour, on Saturday, Aug. 29.

“My four-times-great-grandparents are buried in the cemetery,” Krista Horrocks, a professional archaeologist and cemetery researcher with OFCPP, said. “Jon [Appell] asked if he could do his Ohio workshop in Fredericktown, so I helped make the arrangements. I was a co-founder of the Old Fredericktown Cemetery Preservation Project back in 2017.”

Horrocks, a Fredericktown native, coordinates the preservation efforts with the village, which owns the cemetery. More than 60 people have shown interest in Saturday’s restoration event, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Old Fredericktown Cemetery. The cemetery is located at the intersection of Burgett Drive and Oak Street in Fredericktown.

“Yes, everyone is a volunteer,” Horrocks said. “A lot of our volunteers have ancestors buried in the cemetery. Yes, we have trained with a local preservationist to follow correct methods of restoration.”

But Horrocks also encourages anyone with an interest in history or preserving antiquities, or who just wants a day out in the fresh air, to stop by; because large numbers of hands are welcome.

“We’ll take anyone who is interested in helping!” she said. “And Jon is teaching a workshop every place he goes, so everyone who joins will get training!” "

The Old Fredericktown Cemetery on Find A Grave with 312 memorials 

Find A Grave Map to the Old Fredericktown Cemetery 

Jonathan Appell's Business on Facebook:

Atlas Preservation on Facebook 

Tim Foor's Business on Facebook:

Hallowed Ground Cemetery Preservation LLC

Sharing from Dublin, Ohio - Washington Township - Preservation plans previewed for possible pre-Civil War era African-American Cemetery

Sharing this story from "ThisWeek Community News" - authored by Sarah Sole.  

The story is about research dating back to 2004. Plans are underway to obtain National Historic Site status for the Brown-Harris Cemetery located in Washington Twp.  Included in the overall process is searching for and contacting descendants who still may be living in the area.

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"Washington Township encompasses 27.5 square miles, including the entire corporate limits of the City of Dublin. We serve more than 48,000 residents and a daytime population of 70,000, and are the only township in Ohio to include portions of three counties – Delaware, Franklin and Union. We are among the 20 largest townships in Ohio by population.Washington Township encompasses 27.5 square miles, including the entire corporate limits of the City of Dublin. We serve more than 48,000 residents and a daytime population of 70,000, and are the only township in Ohio to include portions of three counties – Delaware, Franklin and Union. We are among the 20 largest townships in Ohio by population.Washington Township encompasses 27.5 square miles, including the entire corporate limits of the City of Dublin. We serve more than 48,000 residents and a daytime population of 70,000, and are the only township in Ohio to include portions of three counties – Delaware, Franklin and Union. We are among the 20 largest townships in Ohio by population.

Excerpt:
"EMH&T has identified burials of some Brown and Harris family members in other cemeteries, such as Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Oakdale Cemetery in Marysville and Forest Grove Cemetery in Plain City.

Other individuals who they weren’t able to identify as being buried elsewhere most likely are people who may be buried in the Dublin cemetery, EMH&T officials said.

Krista Horrocks, archaeologist and projects-review manager with the State Historic Preservation Office, said her office has worked as a consulting party for the project."

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Looking forward to further updates on the developments that will be unfolding for this important Ohio cemetery!

From the Ohio History Connection - "Cemeteries for Genealogy Research Webinar" - Saturday, July 18, 2020 - 10:30a.m. - 12:30p.m. - Presented by Krista Horrocks - Project Reviews Manager, State Historic Preservation Office

Sharing an announcement of this upcoming free webinar:
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(Click on link below:)
Advance registration required.
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"Ohio History Connection"

 "Cemeteries for Genealogy Research Webinar"

Saturday July 18, 2020

 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Online
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 "Hunting for an ancestor’s gravestone can be an exciting adventure or a frustrating series of dead ends. 

When we find our ancestor’s gravestone, we often are in awe, as it can give important birth, death, and marriage dates. 
To provide this information, cemeteries need to be preserved and be taken care of. Join cemetery expert Krista Horrocks as she explains how the gravestones and historical documentation on cemeteries provide important genealogical information, how Ohio law treats cemeteries (all 14,637 of them), and cemetery preservation.

FREE

Reminder:
Advance registration required.

"Unlocking the Pieces" -- The 2020 Ohio Genealogical Society Conference - "WPA Civilian Grave Registration" - Presented by Krista Horrocks

Sharing this link to the 2020 Ohio Genealogical Society (OGS) yearly conference - "Unlocking the Pieces" schedule of seminars and speakers that is listed on line.

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If you are an OGS member you should also be receiving in the mail the hard copy booklet for this 2020 OGS conference - April 29 - May 2 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio.

Be sure to check out the Friday Page (no page numbers on the hard copy brochure - page 6 online.).

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Note: Reference the tabs with black background and white lettering on the left-hand side.

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Go down the page to the tab titled: METHODOLOGY

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Look under the 10:45AM Column.:

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F21 Researching the Ohio WPA Civilian Grave Registration - Krista Horrocks

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https://www.ogsconference.org/schedule/