ROCKPORT — About 50 people gathered on Saturday at the Old First Parish Cemetery in Rockport to see the unveiling of a newly restored historic sign at the site — all part of an effort to preserve one of Rockport’s oldest and most sacred spaces.
The ceremony spotlighted the restoration efforts being made for the cemetery, which has been spearheaded by the Sandy Bay Historical Society and included the efforts of the Department of Public Works, along with a host of volunteers. The cemetery is at 8 Beach St., adjacent to Rockport’s Front Beach.
During the gathering, town officials wheeled out the old 1832 hearse for display.
Those present included Rich Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the cemetery’s Restoration Committee; Andrea Quinn, the committee’s other co-chair; and Senate Minority Leader Richard Tarr, R-Gloucester, who recalled the story of Richard Tarr, Rockport’s first settler.
“Sen. Tarr delivered moving remarks about Rockport’s rich history and the importance of historic preservation,” Quinn said. “He recalled the story of Richard Tarr, Rockport’s first settler, who was buried in this very cemetery in 1832 when the land was still his private property.”
The project has been overseen by Fitzpatrick, Quinn, Sandy Bay Historical Society President Mary York, and Gary LeBlanc, the town’s Public Works director.
Quinn told those gathered about the Sandy Bay Historical Society’s vision for the cemetery’s future, including outlining plans to enhance its accessibility and educational value through the implementation of QR-coded wayside markers.
“These will offer a self-guided walking tour highlighting prominent residents and the historical significance of this peaceful space, nestled just across from the scenic beauty of Front Beach,” she said.
Following the unveiling, attendees cleaned and tended to the gravestones, under the guidance of cemetery restoration expert Rob Surabian.
The three-year effort to revitalize the cemetery includes refurbishing the sign, which includes the message: “Here lie most of the early settlers and many officers of the French and Indian, Revolutionary and 1812 wars.”
The metal sign is about 3 by 3 feet and is mounted on a post. The sign includes the Massachusetts state seal, the dates “1630 to 1930” and the words “Old First Parish Burying Ground.”
The cemetery’s restoration project includes the reconditioning of the site’s estimated 542 headstones and refurbishment of the cemetery’s hearse.
Those wishing to help can contact the Sandy Bay Historical Society via https://rockporthistory.org/, info@rockporthistory.org or by phone at 978-546-9533. The Society’s mailing address is P.O. Box 63, 40 King St., Rockport, MA 01966.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.