Boston’s 16 historic burying grounds preserve an extraordinary collection of gravestones, tombs, monuments, landscapes, and archaeological resources that reflect more than three centuries of the city’s history. RDLA worked with the City of Boston to develop a comprehensive preservation plan addressing the long-term stewardship of these nationally significant historic landscapes.

Building upon earlier planning efforts, RDLA evaluated existing conditions, documented deterioration since the previous assessment, and reviewed completed preservation work to determine which conservation methods and maintenance practices have been most successful. The plan establishes prioritized recommendations and cost projections for future restoration, preservation, and ongoing maintenance.

Designed as a practical reference for the City and future preservation teams, the plan includes annotated aerial imagery for each burying ground identifying features requiring attention and linking those needs to prioritized recommendations and implementation costs. The result provides Boston with a clear framework for protecting these irreplaceable cultural landscapes for future generations.