Projects

Create the  first comprehensive foundational document that provides a “road map” for the community to guide the development of the Crystal Memorial Gardens cemetery.  This Strategic Plan will identify the core objectives of fostering financial stability, consistent maintenance and development.

Effective August 21, 2023, The Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery is now connected to the Black Cemetery Network (BCN).  The Black Cemetery Network connects living records of forgotten histories through research, advocacy, and collaboration.  

View our comprehensive list of Veterans Interred at Crystal Memorial Gardens.  

Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery is working with Citrus County Historical Resources and the Citrus County Historical Society to secure a Historical Marker for Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The Florida Historical Marker Program recognizes historic resources, persons and events that are significant in the areas of architecture, archaeology, Florida history and traditional culture by promoting the placing of historic markers and plaques at sites of historical and visual interest to visitors. The purpose of the program is to increase public awareness of the rich cultural heritage of the state and to enhance the enjoyment of historic sites in Florida by its citizens and tourists. 

At our historic cemetery, there is a severe problem with flooding and sinking gravesites.  Many have sunken over time and are covered by the earth.   

A course with the Florida Public Archaeological Network (FPAN) in April 2024 taught us how to probe for sunken graves.   We have identified over twenty (20) sunken gravesites, have unearthed eight, and there is much more to be done. 

There are no formal records for the historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery.   Currently, we rely on the headstones and family memories for gravesite locations and we are working to change that.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Scanning will assist with the discovery and verification of the sunken gravesites in the large areas too big for probing by hand.  We are working in partnership with Gary Ellis and thein partnership with 

Gulf Archaeology Research Institute (GARI).

We are working to address two identified issues at the historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery. 

• There are no formal records for the cemetery, and 
• Severe flooding issues over the years caused many gravesites to sink and be completely covered by the earth. The historic cemetery dates back to 1884. 

Most markers in cemeteries are made of limestone, sandstone, slate, marble, granite, or concrete.  Standards,  precautions, and procedures have been established for cleaning cemetery headstones and markers.  Our team has secured training with the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) for the proper cleaning and care of headstones and markers.

Create a detailed visual depiction of the graves and memorial sites within Crystal Memorial Gardens cemetery.

 Gravesite Mapping will identify and record accurate representations of marked and unmarked graves.  

Create an online, searchable directory of gravesites within Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Also, provide an onsite structure for families and  visitors to locate gravesites at Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery.