Dorchester County burial‑sites board appoints Mike Henry as ex officio researcher

The Dorchester County Burial Sites Preservation Board voted to appoint Mike Henry as an ex officio research and documentation volunteer and accepted his offer to provide photographs and GPS locations for previously undocumented cemeteries.

Board members discussed Henry’s preference to remain a field researcher rather than a voting member and recorded a motion to appoint him; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The chair said staff would contact Henry after the meeting and copy Irene, the board’s staff liaison, on follow-up communications.

Why this matters: Henry told the board he has been photographing and documenting sites for decades and that he’s found burial grounds not listed in prior updates to local inventories. Those materials — including thumb drives with photos — are intended to supplement the board’s records and could help close long-standing documentation gaps.

Board members agreed to arrange an orientation so Henry can learn what the board can and cannot require of volunteers. Planning and zoning staff indicated they can accept electronic copies (for example, on a thumb drive) and hard copies for storage if provided, though questions about future access and integration with GIS records remain under discussion.

Mike Henry described his work during public comment: “I’m big into my family roots, and I’ve probably walked many, many miles in these cemeteries,” he said, and offered to share folders of photographs and site notes with the board.

The board recorded logistical next steps: staff will set up an orientation meeting with Henry and two board members, and the board will consolidate photos and forms for storage. The appointment was the only formal personnel action taken during the session.