osko Cemetery Monument Services

Conservation, Preservation, Restoration

555 Baltimore Street, Hanover, Pennsylvania

Cemetery Survey and Assessment Report

Asbury & Green Chappel AME Church and Cemetery

Mayport Rd. and Bozman Neavitt Rd., Bozman Talbot County, Maryland Date the Survey was conducted January 12, 2007 Date Report was prepared February 7, 2007

History and Background Documentation as well as oral history was elusive at the time this report was compiled. Very little if anything is known about the history of the church, when it was established and why it disbanded, why the cemetery was abandoned as well as the exodus of the African American community from the Bozman area. Based upon the physical evidence that remains at the site, it is speculated that the church and cemetery may have been established around the 1830s or 40s. and had been abandoned around the late 1950s or early 1960s. The existence of the cemetery officially came to light when the Talbot County Sheriffs Department notified the Maryland Department of Environmental Health to take charge of the site. A conservation and preservation committee has been formed and organized with ownership being taken up by the trustees of the New St. Johns Methodist Church in Wittman, Maryland.

Current Status The cemetery is no longer active, contains no marked burial sites beyond 1955, is completely abandoned and is over taken by intrusive vegetation which results in the site being totally obscured. Address and Location There is no longer a physical address for the church or the site itself, though evidence does exist that it once did. The physical location of the site is the corner of Mayport Rd. and Bozman Neavitt Rd. in Talbot County, Maryland just out side of St. Michaels. GPS coordinates are: 38o 45.954N X 076o 16.956W. Historical Registration The site is not currently registered. Cemetery Layout The cemetery has been professionally surveyed and appears on land maps as early as 1939 by Rastenhuber and Anderson Civil Engineering and Surveyors of Easton, Maryland and as recently as 2006 by Lane Engineering, Inc. of Easton, Maryland. The cemetery measures 210.00 X 109.00 in size with boundaries being marked by both original boundarie markers and steel posts that were placed by the surveying company. The graves that are visibly marked are oriented West. Discernible remnants or evidence of existing graves are grouped closely together which gives the impression that these are family groupings. The graves and burials themselves do not appear to be laid out in any distinct pattern. There arent any discernible rows other than the grave groupings. The graves are placed in a North to South column with all marked graves appearing to be sporadically placed. Survey Approach The survey was conducted in an East to West pattern in a Southern direction starting at the North/East corner and ending in the South/West corner. Survey Findings Visual Condition Unless you knew of its existence or happened upon the site while walking along the road, the cemetery is easily missed. A thick layer of fallen dead leaves, and the growth of intrusive vegetation along with the redirection of Mopart Rd. has allowed the site to blend in well with the wooded area that it has now become contained in and well obscured.

Survey Findings Continued Support columns that formed the foundations along with portions of chimneys, furnaces, and remnants of timbers that once made up the original chapel and parish hall are still present and visible. Building outlines are highly discernible.

This photo shows where the chapel originally stood, the debris in the background is where the parish hall had stood.

Skeletal remains of both human as well as wildlife are prevalent through out the area.

This photos above shows at left, a human femur, tibula and fibula, along with what is assumed to be a fore leg bone of a deer. The photo above at right shows a pile of deer bones mixed in with what appears to be human infant remains.

Survey Findings Continued

This photo at right shows the extent of the intrusive vegetation and its impact upon the cemetery as well as individual burial sites.

Terrain The terrain within the confines of the cemetery boundaries was generally level but slightly uneven. The ground was found to be obscured by a thick layer of fallen leaves and fallen trees as well as root systems from live standing trees. Most of the graves sites have collapsed and all contain standing water. The collapse is the result of the absence of burial vaults.

The photo at left shows a general example of what the terrain appears to be like.

Survey Findings Continued Types and Styles of Grave Markers The sight was found to contain both traditional grave markers (simple tablet headstones with footstones) as well as in ground burial crypts or also referred to as above ground or semi submerged burial vaults which are common in areas with high water tables. In the case of this cemetery, the few vaults that are present were used for those who had the resources to afford them, designating financial status. Most of the graves sites have collapsed and all contain standing water. The collapse is the result of the absence of burial vaults. Only two grave sites are marked with commercially purchased gravestones, one being a veteran, is a marble block, tablet, government issue, and the other one being a small granite block, footer. The other three visibly marked burials are marked by home made cement, tablet style markers. Even though a majority of the stones were obscured, data was still collected and recorded for the purpose of the survey. Names, dimensions, and conditions were documented. Locations were not recorded due to size of the cemetery. More detailed information can be recorded after the area has been cleared.

This photo at right shows what the typical above ground crypt looks like and the damage it has sustained by vandals. The white pan appears to have been moved there by the wind from an adjoining campsite located outside of the North East side of the cemetery.

This photo shows the only visible granite grave marker contained with in the site.

Survey Findings Continued

This photo shows the only visible marble grave marker contained at the site which is government issue.

This photo at left shows a typical, home made cement tablet that marks one of the graves contained at the sight.

Grave Groupings Based upon the remaining physical evidence, graves appear to be all grouped by family with the exception of a few sporadically placed graves.

Survey Findings Continued

The grouped remnants or indications of the grave sites shown in the photo allows for the conclusion that these are all family members based upon the close proximity that they have to one another.

This single, sporadically placed grave sight shows no indication that no other burial sites exist around its immediate location.

Approximate Number of Graves Based upon visual assessment of the site and the presence of existing evidence, it is estimated that the abandoned cemetery site contains approximately 140 burials. A more accurate count can be obtained once the site has been cleared of all intrusive vegetation and the ground can be more exposed. Vegetation Based upon the location of all visible grave sites and the size and location of the vegetation that is present, it is concluded that 98% of the vegetation contained with in the confines of the cemeterys boundaries is intrusive, was not originally intended, and should be removed. 7

Survey Findings Continued

The trees and other vegetation shown in this photo at left are all impeding upon the grave sites that are present and will continue to impose as well as cause further damage to the burial site .

Unusual Markers or Conditions not Commonly Seen Nothing unusual or not ordinarily seen was found to be located within the site. Inscriptions, Language Styles, and Noticeable Dates Of the remaining, standing grave stones that are present, all have incised inscriptions with one being raised. The language is English with some inscriptions being inscribed literally by hand. The earliest visible, marked grave belongs to Steven W. Richards who has a death date of September 1, 1895 and was born in 1860. The most recent marked grave belongs to john D. Bailey, a World War I veteran born December 18, 1887 and died December 9, 1955. Identifiable Causes Other than the obvious lack of maintenance due to abandonment, the primary cause for the collapsed graves is due to the fact that no burial vaults were used. The standing water and lack of drainage or absorption is the result of a high water table. As far as the damage to the burial crypts are concerned, it can be concluded that their damage is the direct result of vandalism as opposed to falling trees, limbs, or the effects of freezethaw.

Recommendations Under its current condition along with the extenuated circumstances that surround the cemetery, a five phase preservation, conservation, and restoration plan is proposed with site interpretation and physical restoration applications. Phase I Secure and designate the site. Depending whether or not a temporary or permanent fence is erected around the site, this phase could cost anywhere between $3,000 - $22,000. Signage would be the least expensive as well as the least evasive and restrictive measure that would secure the site. Posting information that the site is a cemetery, a governing body exists that oversees the site, their intent to protect it as well as restore, No Trespassing is permitted, and the consequences that would result. Contact information should also be included as well as the announcement that financial contributions are accepted and where they should be sent. Two companies that would be recommended to assist in producing such signs if local companies are not available: Champion America, teamca@championamerica.com ; 1-800-521-7000 Monday Friday 7:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m. EST; 1-800-336-3707 24 hours a day; Champion America, Customer Service, P.O. Box 3092, Stony Creek, CT 06405. Seton Identification and Safety Experts, www.seton.com ; 1-800-572-2596 Monday Friday 7:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m. EST; Seton, 20 Thompson Rd., P.O. Box 819, Branford, CT 06405-0819. A catalog can be requested from either one of these companies. Applicable laws in the annotated code of Maryland and the Maryland rules provide guidance and regulation in regards to the protection of cemeteries. Article 27, Section 267 (B) implements a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 5 years for anyone convicted of willfully destroying, mutilating, defacing, injuring, or removing any tomb, monument, gravestone, or other structure placed within a cemetery or any building, wall, fence, railing, or other work for the use, protection or ornamentation of any cemetery. Section 807 states that a judge may issue an order of restitution for the victim, in the case of cemetery vandalism, is defined by the law as the owner of the burial site and an individual related by blood or marriage to the individual buried in the burial site. Such an order of restitution can apply if the property of the victim is stolen, damaged, destroyed, converted, unlawfully obtained, or its value substantially decreased as a direct result of the crime. Section 267 (C) under the same article (27) states that a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years for anyone convicted of willfully destroying, cutting, breaking or removing any tree, plant or shrub in a cemetery, or who is found guilty of indecent or disorderly conduct within the limits or confines of a cemetery. Article 27, Section 265 states that it is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 5 years for anyone convicted of removing or attempting to remove human remains from any burial site in the state of Maryland, unless such person or persons have received prior authorization in writing from the States Attorney for the county in which the burial site is located. In addition, the law further requires in the Health-General Article, Section 4-215 that anyone who wishes to disinter and re-inter human remains must first obtain a permit from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The department would be required to maintain a record of all such permits issued. Under the law, the only reasons that human remains can be relocated from their original burial site is to (1) ascertain the cause of death of the person whose remains are to be 9

Recommendations Continued (Applicable Maryland Laws Continued) removed, (2) determining whether the human remains were interned erroneously, (3) for the purpose of reburial and (4) for medical or scientific examination or study, as permitted by law. Anyone requesting authorization to permanently relocate human remains from a burial site is to publish a notice of the proposed relocation in a local newspaper of general circulation in the county the burial site is located. Article 27, Section 267 (D) states that human remains or any or any associated funerary objects can not be removed from an abandoned cemetery unless either prior written permission from the local county states attorneys office has been obtained or that such human remains or associated funerary objects are placed in an accessible place in a permanent cemetery. Article 27, Section 267 (A) states that any person who knowingly buys, sells or transports for sale or profit, or who offers to do the same, any unlawfully removed human remains or associated funerary objects is guilty of a misdemeanor and if convicted can be fined up to $5,000 and/or imprisoned up to 1 year. Article 66B, Section 5.03 of the Zoning and Planning Article states that regulations governing the subdivision of land shall require that an appropriate easement be provided for a any burial site located on the land subject to the subdivision plat for ingress and egress to the burial site by persons related by blood or marriage or persons in interest, as defined in Section 14-121 of the Real Property Article. Section 14-122 of the Real Property Article states that any county or municipal corporation, may upon request of or with the permission of the owner of the burial site, maintain and preserve the burial site for the owner. In order to do this, including repair or restoration of fences, tombs, monuments, or other structures located in a burial site, a county or municipal corporation may appropriate money, solicit donations, provide incentives for charitable organizations or community groups to donate their services, and develop a community service program through which individuals required to perform community service hours, under court sentence or as students, may satisfy their hours. The website for the Coalition to Protect Maryland Sites, Inc. can provide a listing of these laws in more detail and allow for them to be printed. The fore mentioned laws pertain directly to this cemetery and the pending project and should be posted at the cemetery site. Since human remains have been exposed at the site, local law enforcement agencies should be invited as well as included in all meetings or associated events that pertain to the cemetery and the preservation efforts. Everything and anything should be done to restrict unauthorized access to the site since many of the burial sites have been compromised and human remains are exposed. Any signage that is posted should identify the site as a cemetery, identify the governing body and who and how to contact them, restrict unauthorized access, the penalty for unauthorized access and the damage to or the removal of any remains, as well as the state and local laws. If at all possible, a temporary standing, construction fence should be placed around the site until its decided that a more stationary, permanent fence be placed and how authorized access shall be obtained. This type of fence can either be donated, purchased, or rented.

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Phase II Phase II would involve physically clearing and cleaning the entire site within the survey boundaries as well as up to six feet out site the marked perimeter. Depending upon the manner of which this would be done, the services of an on-site conservator would be minimal. Several appropriate options are available for consideration in determining the most practical and cost effective plan to successfully complete this phase. Depending upon the resourcefulness and man power available to the cemeteries governing body, the cost to complete this phase is estimated to be between, $4,000 - $30,000. Option 1 Organize a group of volunteers, rent or appropriate a refuse hauler, and manually remove any and all debris from the sight such as the remains of the furnace from the parish hall and other trash that are present at the site. Some artifacts that may be encountered should be documented and archived however. As far as the trees are concerned, their removal should be initiated from closest to the road way in and working out. The trees should be cut as close to the ground as possible and as much of the stumps and root systems removed or at least destroyed. Under a volunteer effort, the trees can be cut down into segments, split if needed and sold as either fire or craft wood to aid the cost for the initial cleanup effort. Participants will need to be extremely careful as to not injure themselves while working through out the site as well as not cause any further damage. The softness and water saturation of the ground in conjunction with the all ready high water table should make stump removal fairly easy with minimal collateral damage. However, the possibility of damaging individual burial sites as well as disturbing human remains is high and would require the assistance of an onsite conservator in order to address immediate concerns as well as to aid in the prevention of damage. Assuming that 75% of the labor would be free, the rental cost for a refuse company, fuel, other necessary equipment either rented or donated, food and water, administrative support and the cost for a conservator to be on site while the project is underway, would make the total cost for this option to be estimated at $4,000 or less assuming that the entire project could be completed within a sixteen hour period. The cost for Mosko Cemetery Monument Services to function under on site consultation capacity is $60/hour plus expenses. Under administrative capacity, which involves recording and documentation is $90/hour. Labor cost to assist in damage prevention and immediate repair either temporary or permanent is $120.00/hour. The estimated amount of revenue that could be generated by the sell of the wood is dependent upon the going price of fire wood in the local area. A rough estimate would be between $1,500 - $2,000 or more. Option 2 In exchange for the wood, someone could be solicited to remove it and clear the area. This would give them the option to do what ever they would want to do with it even if they decide to sell it. This option does not fully empower the governing body over the treatment of the site and regulate any damage that may occur as well as not allow for as much structure throughout the phase of the project as the previous option would. The estimated cost to complete this option without the presence of an on sight conservator would be $0.00. Option 3 Hire or solicit a private company to professionally clear the entire area, stumps and all and haul the debris away. The estimated total cost for this option to include the services of a conservator is $25,000 - $30,000 or more. 11

Recommendation Continued (Phase II, Option 3) Regardless of what option is selected, due to the standing water and the threat of insects and the harm that they could cause to human beings along with the thick vegetation, it is highly recommend that the clearing and clean up phase of the site be initiated and undertaken during late fall through out the winter months and early spring prior to vegetation growth and to allow for the prevention of its regrowth. Any one wishing to volunteer their services to what ever capacity should be required to sign a waiver. Removal of leaves and the first two to three inches of surface soil should also be undertaken during this portion of the phase and the ground prepped for the introduction of grass and/or appropriate ground cover as the weather and temperature would allow. Removal of the trees must be done as carefully as possible as to assure that no other damage to remaining funerary structures is sustained. The direction in which they may fall must be controlled as well as the direction and manner that they are removed and dragged out or away from the site. Safety to workers and/or volunteers must also be taken into consideration. Individual grave sites can possibly still be unstable and could collapse. This issue must be taken into consideration and not ignored. Phase III Upon the completion of phase two, the site will then be more easily accessible for the location of all burial sites. The terrain will be more visible and easily inspected making the placement of stakes more accessible for the placement of grids. Petrometers, metal detectors as well as ground penetrating radar can then be more easily utilized for undertaking the task of locating unmarked burials. This task must be performed by a qualified, trained professional whether it be conservator, archeologist, or environmental engineer. The cost for this phase is estimated to be between $25,000.00 - $60,000.00. Option 1 Locating lost or missing graves is one of the most tedious tasks ever undertaken in cemetery conservation. The simplest, most time consuming as well as least expensive method is the grid system. This is done by staking off the outside perimeter of the cemetery, parallel to the length of the burials, in even increments to the width, which is four feet on average. String is then tied from one stake to the other at opposite ends. The same is done at the opposite sides for the length of the burials which is six feet on average. Strings are then tied and each grid is thoroughly assessed and inspected for any indications that a grave exists within the grid. Everything is thoroughly documented as well as photographed. Petrometers as well as metal detectors along with medium sized shovels and hand tools can be utilized. This method could take several days to complete and could be hindered as well as damaged by unfavorable weather conditions. The cost to have Mosko Cemetery Monument Services undertake this option of Phase III would be between $25,000.00 - $35,000.00 based upon the depth any excavation has to be performed in order to verify the location of any unmarked grave sites. The average depth is usually four to five and half feet. Option 2 The most efficient, least evasive method available without having to disturb the soil is the utilization of Ground Penetrating Radar. This device resembles a lawn mower and is run over the surface of the ground in a distinct pattern to locate sub-terrain soil disturbances. Such disturbances in conjunction to particular patterns would provide indications of the existence of any individual burials or grave sites. The cost to have Mosko Cemetery Monument Services undertake this option of Phase III would be between $40,000 - $60,000 depending on how well the tree stumps, root systems, and other debris has been removed and the clay content of the soil. The entire process could take as little as three hours 12

Recommendations Continued or as long as six to complete with data being readily available on site as well as annotated and printed out the very next day. Phase IV This phase would involve the actual, physical, conservation and preservation of the entire site itself. By the start of this phase, all unmarked burials should be located and marked to some degree. Research should be either completed or at least underway to ascertain who is buried at the site. Finding their exact location would prove to be a little more challenging, however, it has been learned to never underestimate the research capabilities of descendents and historical volunteers. Any discovered grave markers that may have been buried would be cleaned and acted upon accordingly. The standing water contained in the existing graves and burial containers would be pumped out and the sites acted upon accordingly. The masonry containers would need to be thoroughly dried out, cleaned if possible, and acted upon accordingly to assure longevity. Collapsed areas will be filled in with the appropriate materials, and appropriate ground cover introduced to conserve soil, aid with maintenance and to help protect the burial markers. Unmarked graves will be marked with appropriate burial markers to designate them as unknown while at the same time allowing room to be marked appropriately in the event that records would ever be recovered identifying who is buried at the site. The services of a forensics archeologist may be required to distinguish human remains from other remains to aid with the replacement process. Burial containers and lids would be repaired or replaced as financial resources would allow. A more thorough assessment and cost estimate can be provided once the site has been made more accessible, a more accurate burial count can be made, and the actual number of grave stones have been established. The current, exaggerated, estimated cost to complete this phase would be between $20,000 $60,000. Phase V Once the site has been returned to its intended appearance and landscape, the final phase would involve designating the site through the use of wayside markers, fences, posted visitation rules and regulations, and restricted access. Extensive research must be conducted in order to attempt to recover any photographs that would be useful in comparing the site today to what it originally looked like when it was in use. Ideally, one marker would depict the site in general, one would depict the site where the original chapel stood, one for the parish hall and if possible one for the cemetery or particular grave sites, however, one marker would be sufficient for the site. An historically correct fence should be erected around the site to hinder any future vandalism attempts as well as protect the site from wild life activity. A lockable gate should also be included that would be universal in allowing both pedestrian traffic as well as maintenance equipment. Security measures should ultimately include regular and random police patrols as well as the introduction of lighting to illuminate the area to discourage illicit, night time activity and to make it difficult to visit the site inconspicuously. The cost to successfully complete this phase is estimated to be between $25,000 to $80,000 depending on the type of fence, lighting, and the type and style of wayside markers that would be selected.

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Recommendations Continued Maintenance Once the entire site has been completely conserved, and restored, a long term maintenance plan will need to be implemented in order to sustain the site. Ordinarily, this task is usually contracted out to a landscape company, or grounds maintenance firm. The most cost effective way to assure maintenance would be to either hand the responsibility over to the local municipality, work with the local judicial system and have maintenance performed through community service or volunteer service groups/organizations. Another option would be for the governing body perform it them selves which means that they would need to purchase, store and maintain their own equipment either on site or at another location. Having it stored onsite would ad another security risk and vulnerability that would need to be addressed and maintained. Its recommended that in addition to regular and routine maintenance expenses, an additional $4,000 be set aside for conservation and preservation efforts. A more accurate maintenance estimate can be established once it is learned just how much grass will need to be cut and the extent of labor involved in undertaking the task.

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Conservation Proposal The estimated total cost for the entire project from start to finish would be between $77,000 $252,000 over a five year period which is the estimated amount of time it would take to coordinate the necessary resources, and acquire the required funds to implement and complete what ever the decisions that the governing body may decide upon. This would break down to the estimated total cost of $15,400 to $50,400 annually over five years. It must be understood that this figure is based upon the unrealistic assumption that the governing body has unlimited funds readily available and all available resources at their disposal. These numbers are in no way intended to be a bid for the job and should not be considered as such. The prices quoted reflect the estimated cost to professionally perform the forgoing services and labor weather it be performed by Mosko Cemetery Monument Services or anyone else. These numbers could be inflated or deflated and are intended for the use of aiding in soliciting or obtaining grant money for the project as well as motivate proactive participation in procuring the necessary resources required in order to successfully complete the conservation effort. Ultimately, the actual cost for the entire project is contingent upon the resourcefulness and creativity of the organization that governs or oversees the cemetery and its conservation and preservation efforts. Everything done within the cemetery must be well documented, photographed and recorded before, during, and after the activity; what ever it may be once initiated and completed. What ever is decided in regards to the cemetery, long term maintenance must always be taken into consideration to assure that the end result is not temporary but permanent and long term. It does not truly matter how the governing body goes about completing the tasks described but it is imperative however that the prescribed phases be completed in the specified order.

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