With an estimate of 100,000 cemeteries in Indiana, getting them registered
is a daunting task. Jeannie Regan-Dinius, Special Projects Coordinator for
the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic
Preservation and Archaeology, is charged with just that task under the
Indiana General Cemetery Act.
Based in Indianapolis, she is gathering information on any property in the
state on which human remains are buried. This includes cemeteries of any
size regardless of ownership of the property.
She visited the Duneland Historical Society on Thursday, May 15 and told of
her work and how the public can help. State law governs cemeteries and with
the Cemetery Registry under the IDNR, policing is done by conservation
officers.
Regan-Dinius encourages the public to alert her office in case of
disturbance, vandalism or looting in cemeteries. In a recent case a woman
called to report that her neighbor had removed gravestones for a
construction project.
Vandalism is a major problem with Indiana Cemeteries and a variety of state
laws now protect cemeteries. She said cemeteries in Indiana contain many art
works and are helpful sources of information for genealogists.
Planned construction within 100 feet of cemetery property must be reported
and approved in advance. In order to visit a cemetery which is reached
through private property, permission must be granted by the property owner.
When questioned about unused plots, she said unless it is specified in the
deed the plot cannot be re-sold without the permission of the owner or his
or her heirs. In the case of the Chesterton Cemetery, the deeds say that a
plot can be re-sold after 100 years if not used. She was asked about
rubbings of grave markers. She said this is not illegal but rubbings do
damage the stones.
Regan-Dinius says many cemeteries in Porter County are listed but she
welcomes information from citizens. The Duneland Historical Society invites
anyone knowing of a small cemetery in Porter county to call with the name
and location and the DHS will work with Regan-Dinius to be sure it is
listed. Call Betty Canright, 926-3231.
Posted 5/19/2003