Old Salem Cemetery Revolutionary War Grave Project

Our “Adopt a Revolutionary Hero” program began as a project to raise funds for and install permanent granite grave markers for the 30 local American Revolutionary War Veterans interned at the Old Salem Community Church Cemetery. A vast number of the original grave markers are quickly falling victim to our harsh climate and the rampage of time, with many that are no longer decipherable. With our preservationist mission in mind, it was of great concern that the last remaining monuments to our local first American heroes may fade forever.

Since beginning the “Adopt a Revolutionary Hero” program in 2017, we have had enough donations to purchase 15 of the 30 granite markers. This past Veteran’s Day (2023), those stones were installed, with the help of local volunteers. In addition, Dr. Bryan Hanks, PhD and his students from the Department of Anthropology at the University of Pittsburgh performed the second in a series of ground penetrating radar surveys to help determine where any unmarked graves may be so that they can be marked.

When we first began funding this noble cause we attempted to approach the Veterans Administration, who pays for veteran’s grave markers. The problem with Revolutionary War Veterans is that since so much time has passed, federal military service must be proven. Many of our local veterans served in local and state militias, which in turn did serve at a federal level, unfortunately many records that prove federal service no longer exist, so while we did get some assistance from the Veterans Administration, it was not enough to replace all of the 30 rapidly decaying grave markers.

Through continued fundraising, we are preparing to purchase the last of the 30 stones to complete this project. We are nearing the finish line but we need your help! Each of the remaining stones cost $800.00. Graciously, Shaffer Memorials in Loyalhanna, as a way to support our Society, has held the cost at pre-pandemic levels. You may sponsor the entire cost of a stone or chip in as little as $5, or whatever you can afford. No amount is too small to preserve the final resting places of our first American heroes.

If you would like to help us save on ‘Go Fund Me’ fees and would like to receive a donation receipt for tax purposes, you can send us a check directly, made out to Derry Area Historical Society & sent to PO Box 64 New Derry, PA 15671. Please mark the memo with “Adopt a Revolutionary Hero” so that your kind donation goes specifically toward our program. We are a 501C3 non-profit that depends on your kindness and generosity, so all of your donations are tax deductible.

No matter how you choose to donate or how much you choose to donate, we and our Revolutionary War veterans thank you for your help! If we fail to save our first American Heroes final resting places, who will?