TOWN HILL CEMETERY RULES
Revised May 7, 2016
Revised August 9, 2019
Revised April 1, 2024
The Town Hill Cemetery (The Cemetery) was established in 1735 as the burial ground for the first settlers of New Hartford Connecticut. As such, it is one of the most significant historical landmarks of the town. Therefore, for the future preservation of this Cemetery the following rules must be strictly adhered to.
The Town Hill Cemetery Committee reserves the right to change, revise or adopt new rules without notice.
The Town Hill Cemetery Committee will not be held liable for any damages incurred if any of the below rules are not followed.
PLOT ACQUISITION AND INTERMENT RULES
Rule 1 The required, non-refundable, contribution for cemetery plots is $1000.00 for each four (4) by eight (8) foot plot. Checks are to be made payable to “Town Hill Cemetery”. This contribution does not represent a purchase of the plot but does provide for the perpetual care of the gravesite and The Town Hill Cemetery.
Rule 2 Plots purchased prior to August 9, 2019 maybe eligible for a refund at the commission’s discretion. The party requesting the refund will be responsible for all costs associated with returning the plot to original condition. The refund will be in the amount of the original contribution. The refund will be issued once commission has determined that the plot has been restored to original condition.
Rule 3 Cemetery plots may be acquired by present or former New Hartford, Connecticut residents for their personal use or for their forebears or children.
Rule 4 The size of each plot shall be limited to four (4) by eight (8) feet although multiple plots maybe acquired. One plot will hold one (1) casket or two (2) cremations.
Rule 5 All new plots shall have permanent corner markers; the first initial of the family’s surname shall be engraved on the marker and set properly at grade level; The markers should be in place within one (1) month of acquisition (provided The Cemetery is open) to serve as record of plot location. The cost of the markers is not the responsibility of The Town Hill Cemetery.
Rule 6 All coffins must be interred within a concrete vault. No cement foundation will be installed until the Chairman has physically confirmed burial location and that all debts due The Town Hill Cemetery are paid in full.
HEADSTONE RULES
Rule 7 Headstones are required to be designed in keeping with the nature of this historic Cemetery and approved by The Town Hill Cemetery Committee.
Overall height shall not exceed thirty-six (36) inches including the base.
The width shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches for a single plot of four (4) by eight (8) feet or exceed thirty-six (36 inches for a double plot of eight (8) by eight (8) feet.
No photographs or porcelain material may be incorporated into any memorial.
No protective glass or breakable material of any kind will be allowed on the memorial.
Allowable inserts is limited to a veteran’s medallion available through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
Other approved monument styles include:
Flat markers, sometimes called “grass markers,” which lie flat on the ground at the head of the grave, flush with the grass.
Bevel markers, usually about 8 inches thick, which lie flat on the ground at the head of the grave and rise above the grass.
Slant markers, sometimes called “pillow stones,” usually about 18 inches tall, which sit flat on the ground with the front of the stone angled back, creating a wedge shape.
Veteran monuments available through Department of Veteran Affairs.
Granite stones are limited to natural grey tones and must be approved by The Town Hill Cemetery Committee.
Rule 8 The following documents must be furnished to the Chairman prior to interments: Burial or a cremation certificate that provides 1.Name of deceased; 2.Age of deceased; 3.Place of birth; 4.Date of death; 5.Time and date of interment
Rule 9 All digging, interments and disinterments are to be conducted by a contractor authorized by The Town Hill Cemetery Committee. The cost of digging is not the responsibility of The Town Hill Cemetery Committee.
Rule 10 Besides being subject to the rules of The Town Hill Cemetery, all interments, disinterments and removals are subject to the laws of the State of Connecticut.
MAINTENANCE AND DECORATION RULES
Rule 11 The Town Hill Cemetery Committee will provide maintenance to ensure that The Cemetery is kept in good repair and that the grounds be kept in such condition as to reflect the hallowed nature of the area, e.g. grass cut, leaves and downed branches removed.
Rule 12 Work performed in The Town Hill Cemetery may only be done by licensed/ insured personnel approved by and employed by The Town Hill Cemetery Committee; all volunteer work must have project specific approval by the Committee.
Rule 13 Family members or descendants of a plot may cover the cost of restoration, replacement or replication of a gravestone. The Town Hill Cemetery Committee reserves the right to approve all work on historic gravestones or monuments; and all stonework must be completed by a gravestone restoration specialist.
Rule 14 American (USA) flags are allowed for veteran graves; 12” x 18” is recommended.
Rule 15 Planting of shrubs, bushes and trees etc. is not allowed, because over time, they, including their roots may encroach on adjacent plots.
Rule 16 Artificial plantings are not allowed and will be removed. Items not allowed include, but not limited to, are curbing, rock formations, fencing, shepherd hooks, hedging, borders or enclosures. No decorations of any kind are permitted in trees or cemetery plantings.
Rule 17 Glass containers and devotion lights/candles are not allowed.
Rule 18 Fresh flowers or summer annuals in disposable vases/containers are allowed. Wreaths may be placed during winter months.
Rule 19 The Town Hill Cemetery Committee reserves the right to remove any flowers or wreaths that become unsightly including the right to remove all objects whose appearance and condition warrant removal and/or violates The Town Hill Cemetery Rules. The Committee will not be liable for any flowers or decorations removed or lost by any cause.
VISITOR RULES
Rule 20 The Town Hill Cemetery is open from sunrise to sunset.
Rule 21 The Town Hill Cemetery will be closed, with reference to interments, during the winter months; typically December 1st through April 1st.
Rule 22 At no time shall any person touch, trace, move or attempt to lift any memorial gravestone or structure within The Town Hill Cemetery.
Rule 23 Vehicles are not allowed inside The Town Hill Cemetery gates.
Rule 24 Dogs are allowed only on leash and owners must pick up their pet’s droppings.