Visitors to the Higginsville City Cemetery now have a new and convenient way to locate the graves of family members and friends, thanks to a recently completed cemetery mapping project spearheaded by the City of Higginsville.

During a recent visit with Mark Kays, City Street Superintendent, he shared details about the new cemetery marking system that was installed approximately one month ago in the heart of the cemetery. The project, which has been years in the making, provides visitors with an easy-to-use guide for finding burial locations throughout the cemetery.

According to Kays, the idea for the project dates back to 2008. While the concept was discussed for many years, it took time, planning, and cooperation among multiple city departments before it could become a reality.

The centerpiece of the project is a large bulletin board located near the top of the hill within the cemetery. Facing north, the display features a detailed map of the cemetery that allows visitors to quickly identify grave locations.

In addition to the large map, visitors will find printed map handouts available to take with them while searching for a gravesite. Perhaps the most valuable feature is a laminated reference book housed at the kiosk. The book contains the names of individuals buried in the cemetery, organized by last name, first name, and middle initial. It also includes each person’s block, lot, and grave number, making it much easier for families and researchers to locate specific graves.

The project was truly a group effort involving City Hall staff and members of the Street Department, who worked together to organize records and create the maps and reference materials.

The cemetery map and records will continue to be maintained and updated. The bulletin board will receive annual updates to include new burials, ensuring the information remains current and accurate. Visitors may also access cemetery information through the city’s website, which includes online cemetery records and maps.

The new bulletin board not only makes locating graves easier, but it also reflects the community’s commitment to honoring and preserving the history of those laid to rest at Higginsville City Cemetery.

For families visiting the cemetery, the new system offers a meaningful improvement, helping ensure that loved ones can be found, remembered, and honored for generations to come.