Historical Cemeteries Commission

The Historical Cemeteries Commission shall consist of five (5) members, all of whom have expertise and/or interest in historical cemeteries.  All members shall be appointed by the Town Council.  Members shall serve for three (3) year terms and the appointments shall be staggered so that no more than two (2) terms expire in any single year.  Vacancies shall be filled by the Town Council for the remainder of the unexpired term.  The Commission shall annually elect a Chairperson and such other officers as they deem appropriate.

The Historical Cemeteries Commission is authorized by Section 1012 of the Home Rule Charter, Town of Tiverton, dated 11 April 1994 as amended through Special Election of November 8, 2011.



Duties and Responsibilities:
The Historical Cemeteries Commission shall report to the Town Administrator.  Responsibilities shall include the maintenance (when necessary) of headstones, grounds, and walls of historical cemeteries located within Tiverton.

A historical cemetery is defined as a cemetery identified by the Rhode Island Graves Registration Committee survey performed in July 1956.  The Pocasset Hill Cemetery managed by the Tiverton Cemetery Commission are excluded. In addition, the Hillside and Pleasant View Cemeteries which are under private management are also excluded.

The Commission shall also Document and Register with the Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries Commission and maintain (when necessary) cemeteries of similar historical interest that were not documented in the survey.

Meeting Schedule:
THCC meets on the first Monday of each month in the History Room of the Tiverton Public Library.  If the first Monday falls on a Federal or State Holiday, then the meeting takes place on the first Tuesday.  Meetings run from 6:00 PM to approximately 8:00 PM.  The public is welcome.

Contact:
Inquiries may be directed to Jim Spears (624-6031) or Bob Martin (624-3276)

The Rhode Island Historic Cemeteries Commission sponsors a statewide series of events related to historical cemeteries (Tiverton has 90 registered historical cemeteries) through April and May.  THCC will sponsor and post events in the near future for 2025. 

Historical Cemetery Map and Descriptions (2004)

Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Commission Website