Ohio’s Revolutionary War-Era Cemeteries Encouraged to Sign-up for New Interactive Clean-Up Portal

COLUMBUS, Ohio - In recognition of the yearlong America 250-Ohio celebration, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing has launched a new Cemetery Clean-Up Portal to highlight the many ways that Ohioans of all ages can step up to help preserve Revolutionary War-era cemeteries located across the state, many of which have fallen into disrepair and are in need of attention.

The portal, available at com.ohio.gov/CemeteryCleanup, is specially designed to connect these historic cemeteries with volunteers and service groups who are ready and willing to clean, repair and support local maintenance efforts at these important locations.

This initiative is primarily focused on assisting cemeteries across Ohio that contain grave markers dating back to the Revolutionary War. Owners or operators of those cemeteries are encouraged to submit project requests through the portal via a quick online form. Once approved, information regarding the cemetery's location, point of contact, and project will appear on the interactive map, allowing volunteer organizations and individuals to explore projects and coordinate visits directly with individual cemeteries.

Potential project types include, but are not limited to beautification, landscaping, planting flowers, placing flags, mowing, general grounds maintenance, tree limb removal, headstone cleaning, and trash removal.

"Ohio's cemeteries tell the stories of our communities, and this new tool makes it easier than ever for volunteers who want to make a difference to take an active role in preserving these beautiful and important locations," said Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing Superintendent Daphne Hawk.

"This portal gives Ohioans a simple way to support the cemeteries that shape our local history," said Emma Wilson, Cemetery Registration and Resolution Chief with the Division. "By making it easier for volunteers to find and assist with cleanup projects, we're strengthening connections between communities and these historically important places."

Participation in the program is optional and does not guarantee that a cemetery will be matched with volunteers. All cleanup activities should be conducted independently by volunteers or volunteer organizations.

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About the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing
The Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.