Preserving History One Cemetery at a Time

      I have passed by St Marks/St Georges Cemetery many times while walking my Dog (It is the one adjacent from Friendly’s and across from Leonard Park). It is so sad to see it in its current condition. Many of the headstones are broken, full of moss and /or missing parts. A few have inscriptions that are no longer legible. I often thought what a waste it was to allow this locale gem of Mt. Kisco’s history to literally ‘weather’ away.

     While at a recent Town board meeting I was delighted to run into an old neighbor of mine Susan Ross. When I asked her what she was doing there she told me all about her plans to restore St. Marks Cemetery (I never knew it was called St. George’s) with another mom Laurie Kimsal. I was so excited to hear this news. The women would like to restore the entire Cemetery. Funding is needed to repair the damaged stones and to improve the overall look of the landscaping. There are many overgrown trees and brush that are encroaching on and damaging the Head Stones.

     Many of the stones will only require some gentle cleaning that anyone can be trained to do. Sue told me that they plan on holding some ‘How to’ workshops that will focus on cleaning and preserving stones. For you history buffs out there the women are also planning some talks about historic and famous graveyards in the New York area. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation please go to their FB page Restoring Mount Kisco History for more information and don’t’ forget to ‘LIKE’ it.