Digitizing Concord’s Cemeteries: How Technology Safeguards the Past
In the quiet town of Concord, Vermont, a transformative project is underway to preserve the legacy of its historic cemeteries. Bill Gilding, the town’s dedicated sexton, has embarked on an ambitious mission to modernize cemetery records and mapping, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for future generations. What began as a modest part-time role quickly evolved into a critical initiative involving cemetery digitalization, student-led preservation efforts, and a groundbreaking partnership with All Funeral Services (AFS)—a national leader in funeral and cemetery documentation.
The Challenge: Outdated Records and the Need for Digital Solutions
When Gilding assumed his position, he discovered a pressing issue: handwritten, outdated cemetery maps from 1974 that made plot identification unreliable. The risk of misplacing burials or selling occupied plots loomed large, threatening the dignity of the deceased and their families. Recognizing the urgency, Gilding sought a solution that would bring cemetery records and mapping into the digital age.
A Revolutionary Partnership with All Funeral Services
The breakthrough came when All Funeral Services (AFS) reached out with an innovative proposal. Using advanced AI-powered software, AFS specializes in cemetery digitalization, capturing photos of every headstone, aerial shots, and digitizing historical records. Their platform, The Cemetery Solution, ensures rapid, accurate documentation—completing in just two weeks what might have taken years manually.
For a one-time fee of $6,500 and a modest monthly subscription, Concord’s cemeteries will gain a permanent, searchable online database. As Tisha Clark of AFS notes, Concord’s cemeteries are their first Vermont project, but they hope to expand their services to other communities in need.
Community Engagement and Preservation Efforts
Beyond digital transformation, Gilding has engaged local students in a hands-on preservation project. Through the Kingdom East Afterschool Program (KEAP), middle schoolers photograph headstones, research historical records, and contribute to an online memorial archive. This initiative not only educates young residents about their town’s heritage but also fosters a deeper connection to the past.
Additionally, significant investments are being made in physical restoration. Nearly 500 headstones across Concord’s two active cemeteries will be repaired and straightened, while professional cleaning ensures their longevity. These efforts, funded through community resources, reflect the town’s commitment to honoring its history.
Why This Matters for Future Generations
The collaboration between Concord and All Funeral Services sets a precedent for small towns facing similar challenges. By embracing cemetery digitalization, communities can safeguard burial records, streamline operations, and provide families with reliable access to their ancestors’ resting places. AFS’s technology not only resolves immediate record-keeping crises but also ensures that future caretakers—and descendants—can navigate cemetery histories with confidence.
For those interested in learning more about how All Funeral Services is revolutionizing cemetery documentation, read the full article here. Discover how innovation and tradition are coming together to preserve the past for generations to come.
Get a Free Cemetery Workstation Demo
Reach out to us today for a free Cemetery Software demo or more information on how AFS can transform your cemetery management.