There has been a lot of chatter around Salem regarding a possible decision to close the Charter Street Cemetery during this October and last night it went to a vote. The City of Salem decided to close the cemetery from September 28, 2019 to November 3, 2019.
I, personally, think this is great news. I know there are so many people who do respect the city’s history and understand what preservation means. However, there are many who unfortunately do not. This vote is a way for the city to protect its history and keep the cemetery the place of respect that it should be.
According to posts by both Epoch Preservation and Friends of the Downtown Salem Historic Cemeteries, there will be volunteers at the gates to answer questions and hand out informational flyers.
I know this news might disappoint some, however it’s all done in the interest of keeping Salem here and safe for future generations to also enjoy. <3
Edited 9/11/19 4:45 pm
The city released an official statement which is as follows:
“Pursuant to a vote of the Salem Cemetery Commission that took place on September 10, 2019, the City’s historic Charter Street Cemetery will be closed to the public from September 28, 2019 through November 3, 2019. The City is preparing to undertake a substantial landscape preservation and improvement project in the cemetery and has already completed early phases of work, including some headstone and tomb restoration and preliminary archaeological reviews. The City will be publishing information about the cemetery and its history, as well as images of notable headstones and tombs, at www.preservingsalem.com.”
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