It’s weird when I run into people that I haven’t seen in a while and they ask me if I’m still working at the graveyard. I always seemed surprised by the question and answer “Of course, I never plan to leave.” I know many people believe that you shouldn’t stay in one place for too long or you become that place. I have always felt like I am a part of the burial ground and I don’t plan to quit my position any time soon. If I ever did leave the burial ground, I know that I would return at some point in the form of ashes and stay forever among my friends.
As I reflect fondly on the past nine summers here, I am very proud of all the preservation work we have done-restoring the physical stones and ground as well as resurrecting the memories of all those whose names haven’t been spoken in over a hundred years.
As I sit and write this on the black bench near Rush’s grave, I think of all the goals and plans I have for the burial ground in years to come. There are many stones that wait to be repaired and many plaques that need to be set in place, such as the marker for Charles Mason. I have plans to create new events and tours for next year including the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the continuation of the celebration of Ben’s Day and Signers’ Day. I also have the burial ground’s 300th birthday to plan for in 2019.
So ole Hop plans to be shaking his keys around here until my work is complete. Each year we learn and discover new information about people and things in the burial ground and I can’t wait to see what we unearth next. I am very excited about what the future will tell us about the past, for years to come.
-Hop
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