Cemetery Vandalism: The Selective Manipulation Of Information
Author(s): Melissa Eiring
Year: 2017
Summary
Few universal protocols are in place for cemetery preservation and its associated records. Typically, vandalism is associated with physical objects. Often overlooked are the written records. Despite the potential wealth of information, there is currently no guarantee that the record keeping of a cemetery or individual gravemarkers exists or is accurate. The selective disclosure of information or manipulation of records-or documentary vandalism- can lead to vandalized historical records and reveal considerable mishaps in record management and gravestone accuracy. Consequently, we are forced to question the final historical record. This paper explores the extent of this "documentary vandalism" within historical preservation of cemeteries and the measures needed to protect our cemeteries’ cultural value.
Cite this Record
Cemetery Vandalism: The Selective Manipulation Of Information. Melissa Eiring. Presented at Society for Historical Archaeology, Fort Worth, TX. 2017 ( tDAR id: 435492)
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Keywords
General
Cemeteries
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Preservation
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record-keeping
Geographic Keywords
North America
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United States of America
Spatial Coverage
min long: -129.199; min lat: 24.495 ; max long: -66.973; max lat: 49.359 ;
Individual & Institutional Roles
Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology
Record Identifiers
PaperId(s): 575