Topic: Hi I have a Question

[MassMama]

I live in Massachusetts... There are cemetery's EVERY WHERE!! I have never seen a sign that says Private nor have I seen one that has a no tresspassing sign.. Most are soooo old that they are Closed for new customers if you know what I mean... I could go to Salem and take pictures all day long.. Soooo does this mean I have to track down the last person that took care of the place? Or do you think it would be OK to go on in? I really love old grave yards and would love to share some pics of some cool old ones we have to offer...

[Wrennie]

I would think they're public unless posted or on private property like a church yard.  I dont know for sure though.
In college I did an architecture project and took a bunch of pictures at graveyard/cemeteries, to show the influence of past architectural styles in the tombs etc.
One BIG one we went to a cop followed us around some to be sure we weren't vandalizing. It was obvious we werent visiting grandma when we got to the korean family corner. :-\
Theres a very old one down the road from me, tucked away in the woods. 'No Vacancies'. I've been in there to do rubbings. A lot of people dont know its there. There was a headstone years ago in there with a rose in a clear section {glass?}. When I went somebody had stolen the rose. It was on a baby girls grave.    I think it was an 1800's site.

[MassMama]

  that is terrible that someone would steal from a grave!!
I did not think there would be any problem with taking a few pictures..  And of course if there ever was a problem I would appoligize and leave (missed sign or any of that) But we have a billion of them here and bunches within walking distance.. Hope to get a few real soon!

[Jim]

After reading your question, I did some searches and found quite a bit of information on cemeteries in Massachusetts.  I would have to agree with Wrennie that if they are not posted or there are no signs, that they are public.  Here is an interesting bit that I found:

"Section 42A. No cemetery exempted from taxation under the provisions of section five of chapter fifty-nine shall be closed for visitations between the hours of eight o?clock antemeridian and sunset, except during the months of June, July, August and September when such cemeteries shall remain open until the hour of seven o?clock postmeridian; provided, however, that the provisions of this section shall not apply on Saturdays if the cemetery is owned or used exclusively by a religious denomination which observes the Sabbath on Saturday. It shall be deemed to be a violation of this section if entrance to or exit from any such cemetery by motor vehicle is prevented during said hours, if said cemetery has accessible roads for motor vehicles; provided, however, that access by motor vehicle may be prevented on the second Sunday in May, the last Monday in May, and on Easter Sunday. Whoever wilfully violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars. "

It appears that they have some "visiting hours" that are spelled out by law.

Lots more info on the subject here:  http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-114-toc.htm

I think if it were me I would contact the sheriff of the county as a precaution to insure that there are no restrictions even if they are public cemeteries.  The older ones like you are mentioning seem to attract the most attention so contacting a law enforcement official wouldn't hurt.

Let us know how it turns out.

[Jim]

Be sure and post the pics for us to see.  I enjoy looking at the old tombstones and reading the inscriptions. 

[MassMama]

Jim thanks for the info...  I can't wait to start clicking... I just hope I can catch something cool in the Pics!!

[Dianna]

Rita, just make sure when you start clicking that your hair is tied back (if it is long) and your camera strap isn't in front of the lens. Hair and straps can sometimes be mistaken for something that they aren't... 

Dianna

[MassMama]

Good point dianna ... I usually tie my hair back ... But sometimes ya know.. OK maybe soon before it gets tooo awful cold out I can do some clicking...
Can you use PB to upload pics here??

[Dianna]

Yes, Photobucket is what we have been using, Rita...

Also, another thing to remember is that smoke or dust can cause some false positive pictures...

Dianna

[Jim]

Yes, Photobucket is what we have been using, Rita...

And don't forget we limit the size to 640x480.  If the photo is larger than that it won't error, just won't display it.

[MassMama]

  cool thanks.. Can't wait.. Nicky my 4yr old is totally into graveyards.. He wants to go on a hike to one tomarrow..

Thanks for the pointers, umm in these cold weather areas if it is cold don't exhale while taking a pic.. you get smoke there too.. steam condensation!!!

[Dianna]

I didn't even think of that one! Good thing that you did!

My mother used to take my kids to an old country cemetery for picnics. They loved to go...

Dianna

[MassMama]

I think of it cause the kids think it is soooo cooool ... but it is a good point.

[christy]

i have a question too, is it better to take pics at night or day for orbs n such?  or dosnt it realy matter, i seen pics in here that are night and day. 
theres a old 1880's cemetary i been wanting to take a pic of. its real small, seen yards in town bigger.

[Penny]

Hmmmmm...good question Christy, i honestly dont know.
But i would love to see some pics if you take some!!

[Wrennie]

Try both night and day Christy. Take notes on weather and what time so you can compare later. Hmm, gives me the idea to climb to the real old cemetery on the edge of town.

[Penny]

Wow...that would be cool Wren, dont forget the camera if you go!!

[Jim]

Most folks go at night because for some reason we all feel that there is more spirit activity at night.  However, I think one of the best orb pictures I have ever seen was taken during the daytime.

[MassMama]

Also Christy make sure that there is not a No tresspassing sign.. Or private property sign.. 

[christy]

well i dont know if i can now, th road to get to it has always been bad, more like a fallin in goat path,  i asked my hubs about takin me there n he said they got the road blocked off,
there isnt any sighns, its just got a  gate going around the little graveyard, its on dutch fork lake n thats not privet, its were we use to go fishin, till the lake dried up.  might try walkin acoss the lake to find it.
i will get pics of the renz crypt,[mossaleem] dont have to worry bout that  and if i have proof im family on me. i could even go inside, or ill have my aunt go up with me, shes been there n inside a few times, it dates way back in the 1800s,
and my cousin works at the wash cemetery n was telling me bout a some old plots up on the hill, so ill go there too, 

[Penny]

Ooooh i wish i lived closer Christy, and i would LOVE to come with you, that sounds so cool!!!

[Jim]

Ooooh i wish i lived closer Christy, and i would LOVE to come with you, that sounds so cool!!!

Me too.  Sounds like you have several interesting places to go. 

[glendann]

I'll be waiting for pictures on your walk throughs.