The Cemetery Committee was created by the City Council in 2021 with the responsibility of encouraging the restoration, preservation and safeguarding of Portsmouth’s historic cemeteries and their history for future generations.
The Committee was established in accordance with the following guidelines.
A. Membership and Term:
The Cemetery Committee shall consist of not less than twelve (12) or more than eighteen (18) regular members. The members shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to the approval of the City Council for a term of three (3) years. One City Councilor will be appointed by the mayor for coterminous with the City Council term.
B. Powers and Duties:
The Committee shall provide advice and recommendations to the City Council and the City Manager with respect to all issues affecting municipal cemeteries, including the solicitation and acceptance of grants; the expenditure of any funds for specific improvements; and any expenditures from the Cemetery Trust Fund. Nothing herein shall limit the power of the City Council or City Manager to take immediate action in the event of exigent circumstances.
2013 Existing Conditions Assessment Report
For more information about Portsmouth's Historic Cemeteries and the African Burying Ground Memorial, click here.