Fairfax County Cemetery Preservation Association

A spray painted grave marker at the Marshall family cemetery in Burke, Virginia spurred two county history commissioners and community members into action. In June 2008, a group organized to protect the cemetery. During the summer, a clean up was organized. Trees were cut; brush and trash were removed. Broken glass from beer bottles was painstakingly picked up. A thick layer of dirt and algae on the marker was removed with soft tooth brushes and distilled water. The spray paint will remain until a professional conservator removes it. In October 2008, a dedication ceremony was held at the cemetery. Subsequently, the Fairfax County Cemetery Preservation Association, Inc. was founded to protect the hundreds of other family cemeteries in the county.

FCCPA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)organization incorporated with the state of Virginia.

Our Mission

Our purpose is to identify, document, preserve, protect, maintain and advocate for cemeteries in our county that are threatened by development, vandalism or neglect.

Also, the association will educate the community about the historical importance of cemeteries and how to survey and preserve cemeteries.

How does the Fairfax County Cemetery Preservation Association protect and preserve cemeteries?

Research cemeteries
Conduct on-site surveys at cemeteries
Report cemetery vandalism to authorities
Update county and library information on cemeteries
Seek and advise organizations or individuals who want to “adopt” a cemetery
Connect individuals who have concerns or questions about cemeteries with the appropriate county employees
Reply to individual’s inquiries about family cemeteries
Educate the community about the Virginia statutes regarding cemeteries
Educate the community about the preservation of cemeteries and markers
Educate the community about the historical importance of cemeteries