IN.gov - Skip Navigation

Note: This message is displayed if (1) your browser is not standards-compliant or (2) you have you disabled CSS. Read our Policies for more information.


Mobile Site RSS Feeds

DHPA Home > Education Programs & Initiatives > Cemeteries > Indiana Cemetery Heritage Sign Initiative Indiana Cemetery Heritage Sign Initiative

Fall Creek Cemetery Marker (Marion County, IN)In recent years the public has become more concerned with the condition of historic cemeteries. While this recent public awareness for cemeteries has resulted in a number of new laws protecting these important cultural sites, it has also increased the number of people wanting to mark these sites with historic markers. Under current standards, most cemeteries are not eligible for an Indiana Historical Bureau Marker. While these sites may not fit into the guidelines of the Historical Marker program, it is important to note that this does not make them insignificant or undeserving of recognition.

For this reason, the Indiana Historical Bureau has initiated a new program specifically designed to mark cemeteries that are over fifty years old. The IHB is working with the DHPA to insure that when these important cultural resources are identified with historic markers, they are also catalogued in the Cemetery and Burial Ground Registry for protection.

This Cemetery Heritage Marker initiative has three purposes: to reinforce the importance of cemeteries as a resource for the interpretation of Indiana’s history; to bring attention to the existence of Indiana’s remaining cemeteries with a visual reminder of their importance; and to assist the many individuals and groups working to preserve and maintain Indiana’s cemeteries through a heightened awareness of their existence and needs.

Over the past year, over nineteen cemeteries have been marked under this new program. To find a complete list of those cemeteries with Cemetery Heritage Markers or to learn how to obtain a marker, contact the Indiana Historical Bureau at 317-232-2535 or at ihb@statelib.lib.in.us. To learn more about the Indiana Cemetery and Burial Ground Registry or to determine if a cemetery is listed in the Registry, contact the DHPA at 317-232-1646.

Other Cemetery Resources

Stay Connected

You are leaving the IN.gov website. By clicking OK, you will be taken to a website that is not affiliated with the State of Indiana and may have different privacy and security policies. The State of Indiana is not responsible for, and does not endorse, guarantee, or monitor content, availability, viewpoints, products, or services that are offered or expressed on this non IN.gov portal website.