Death and heritage: an archaeological analysis of the differential treatment of two historic burial grounds in Ferryland, Newfoundland

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the study of two historic burial grounds in the community of Ferryland, Newfoundland. The South Side non-denominational cemetery and the North Side Anglican cemetery were both established in the 18th century with final burials of non-locals in the early 20th century. Despite relative similarities in age the South Side cemetery has received occasional maintenance, while the North Side cemetery has been left without community care. Taking this differential treatment as a starting point this thesis seeks to answer the question: what is the significance of this differential treatment and what can it tell us about how certain things become valued as heritage to be cared for while others, apparently of the same kind, do not? To answer this question this project uses archival research, interviews with community members and archaeological surveys of both cemeteries. Factors such as identity, religion, age value, location and size of cemeteries are discussed.