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Preservationists describe headstone restoration, memorials and funded repairs at local historic cemeteries
Summary
A historic preservationist and volunteers described restoration work at multiple Jacksonville cemeteries, an ongoing conditions assessment, and state and city grants to repair entrances and fencing and to document burials including unmarked military graves.
Historic preservationists and volunteers provided an update on restoration and documentation work at several cemeteries in the Moncrief area and elsewhere in Jacksonville.
Patricia Davenport Jacobs, a historic preservationist, said her work since 2015–2016 has included restoration at Pinehurst Cemetery and a conditions assessment for several sites, including Hillside Cemetery, Memorial Cemetery, Sunset Memorial, Mount Olive Cemetery and Old City Cemetery downtown. She said restoration at Old City Cemetery is complete and that Memorial Cemetery work is expected to continue for roughly three more months before crews move on to Mount Olive on 40th Street.
Davenport Jacobs described efforts to identify and install military headstones that were discovered on-site but not placed, and she said the project has created memorials for those burials so families have a place to visit. She said documentation is incomplete for many burial locations because records and plaque data are missing; she invited relatives with information to contact the team.
Volunteers and local advocates said the project is coordinating tree and fence repairs. Davenport Jacobs and a contractor representative said damaged metal fencing panels at Memorial Cemetery that were hit by vehicles will be removed and replaced. She also said the state Division of Historical Resources (DHR) has a grant to reconstruct an entrance archway at Sunset Memorial Cemetery; that work is expected to occur within several months to meet grant timelines.
Speakers emphasized the cemeteries’ cultural and historic value and encouraged residents to join upcoming cemetery tours and volunteer efforts. No formal city action or vote occurred at the meeting; preservationists asked residents to share information on burials and remain involved in documentation and restoration work.
