Cemetery Etiquette

  1. Cemeteries are collections of privately owned outdoor sculpture. Please stay in the designated walkways, off cemetery lots and do not touch any memorials or decorations.
  2. Appreciate the memorials as they are. Do not add to, take away from, or modify a memorial in any way, even if you have exceptionally good taste. If it's not yours, don't touch it.
  3. Show respect for the dead and for their surviving families and loved ones. Do not intrude on funeral or memorial services. Do not bring alcohol, firearms, or entertainment items into cemeteries.
  4. Keep the volume of your music at a level you alone can hear. Always be considerate of others.
  5. Well-behaved children under the direct supervision of responsible adults are welcome. Teach your children to respect cemeteries. Running, playing, and noisy activities are not appropriate in cemeteries. Touching, pushing or climbing on memorials is unacceptable and can be hazardous.
  6. Keep your pets under control on a leash away from cemetery memorials and decorations. Clean up after your pets.
  7. Enjoy the natural peace and serenity of the cemetery. Do not litter (this includes cigarette butts) and do not interfere with the plants and wildlife that inhabit the site.
  8. Keep your vehicle on designated roadways or in parking areas. Idling vehicle engines can be harmful to historical structures. Please do not block cemetery roadways, allow room for another vehicle to pass by. Take your keys and lock your vehicle when visiting a loved one's grave.
  9. Know the cemetery rules and regulations and abide by them. Respectful group activities, tours, and special events must be registered in advance. Promptly report any suspicious activities to management.
  10. Rubbing of cemetery memorials, as well as products used to enhance the readability of time worn inscriptions, is prohibited due to the damage it causes to the memorials.
Cemetery Etiquette