- April 24, 2024
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Gethsemane Cemetary, the abandoned cemetery on South Orchard Street, is getting refurbished thanks to an eagle scout project by David Truilo of Troop 403. The markers are getting cleaned, and a mapping will be done to record the graves.
Gethsemane is on county land and the only upkeep it receives is getting mowed.
Truilo contacted the Florida Public Archaeological Network, and representatives came to Ormond Beach and conducted a seminar for the volunteers on cleaning and recording historic cemeteries. The techniques are important, as monuments can be damaged when cleaned incorrectly.
Truilo said eagle scout projects are meant to create something lasting, and he believes that getting people involved and educated about cemetery restoration is applicable.
“There are thousands of cemeteries in Central Florida that are very neglected,” he said.
Ormond Beach residents benefit from many projects that have been performed by eagle scouts from local troops, as shown in the Eagle Scout Projects box.
Scouts, parents and volunteers from the community took part in the project. Truilo and his family contacted people through social media, including area historical groups.
Emily Murray, public archaeologist with FPAN, said that the organization collects information on materials used to create cemeteries, as well as the names and dates on the stones.
“Cemeteries are an important resource,” she said. “We record the tombstones as artifacts.”
She said it’s also important to documents cemeteries, in case local governments want to widen roads, for example, they will know where people are buried.
Visit flpublicarchaeology.org.
