This couldn't be a more timely conversation for me. My children and I started a project a few months ago of collecting digital photos of pre-1930 tombstones in the eastern part of the state. Since we live in Wayne County, this is where the majority of our photos are from. We've seen cemeteries in the county that are just torn up from lack of maintenance or vandalism. Not just the rural ones either. This isn't a widespread problem here. Some cemeteries are in great shape. However, it seems that those that are having problems don't seem to be an issue to anyone. I'm sure some of this destruction was caused by the flood waters of a year ago. If this is the case, it seems that the owners should have filed for funds to make things right. Maybe this is already in the works and I'm just not aware of it. I noted one 190 year-old stone of a military general and possible founder of the original county seat (Waynesboro - which is now a state park), broken off at the base and laying on the ground. It was half covered with grass creeping in from all sides and most of it was buried in a thick layer of mud. His wife's stone was in the same shape. We managed to expose enough of the stones' faces to get good photos of them, but it won't be long before they're completely covered up again. These were only two of the stones in that cemetery that were well on their way to being lost forever. I sincerely hope these people aren't one of our list member's ancestors. I recently wrote letters to two organizations in the area to see if something could be done and have not had a satisfactory response yet. I haven't covered all of the local historical associations yet and I'll keep trying until I find someone that can/will do something to repair these stones. I believe that the Secretary of State's office has funds set aside for preservation and restoration of items with historical and cultural significance. I would think that since burial records weren't generally recorded here until after 1913, tombstones would qualify for this program. And yes, there is a state statute on destruction of grave stones including those on private property. I just have to wonder who's supposed to be enforcing this. Also, isn't there a perpetual care provision in NC? I'm assuming not... I don't have any ancestors buried within 500 miles of here, but as a family history enthusiast I feel for the descendants of those that are. Sincerely, Todd Anderson NC ImageStones Project