Access to Cemeteries on Private Property — Virginia Code §57-27.1
Access to Cemeteries on Private Property — Virginia Code §57-27.1
Virginia law requires that landowners allow access to cemeteries on private property for visitation by family members, descendants, or plot owners, and for genealogical research. Reasonable notice is required, and visitors must honor any restrictions set by the landowner regarding frequency, hours, and duration of access. Note: this does not grant an automatic right to drive across private land unless an existing road or right-of-way permits access.
The Association for Gravestone Studies
The Association for Gravestone Studies
The Association for Gravestone Studies promotes the study of gravestones from historical and artistic perspectives, expands public awareness of the significance of historic grave markers, and encourages the recording and preservation of gravestones. It’s an excellent starting point for learning proper conservation practices and documentation.
Headstone Cleaning Kit (In-House Purchase)
Headstone Cleaning Kit (In-House Purchase)
Our kit, assembled by cemetery specialist Charlie Barnette, includes a 1-quart spray bottle of D/2 Biological Solution, a brush, gloves, two toothbrushes, two picking sticks, and an instruction sheet. Price: $55 + tax. This limited pilot offering is available for in-house purchase at the library. To order by phone, call 276-623-8337 or email office@hswcv.org. For shipping inquiries, please contact us first to discuss details and costs. To consult with Charlie about proper use, email brisbotls@hotmail.com.
Selected Washington County Cemeteries
Selected Washington County Cemeteries
Among the hundreds of cemeteries in Washington County, we’ve curated a selection of sites of interest to researchers and visitors. Each location reveals evolving memorial practices and offers insights into the daily lives of those who came before us. Genealogists will find primary-source details in gravestone inscriptions and iconography, while history enthusiasts can explore how remembrance has changed over time. Plan your visits respectfully and discover the stories etched in stone across our community.