Minutes of the Southampton Town Historic Burial Ground Committee May 12, 2026
Attendance
Tom Rogers, Judge Deborah Kooperstein, Julie Green, Roger Tollefsen, Sally Van Allen, Dennis Delaney
Town Clerk Sundy Schermeyer, Councilmen William Pell IV and Councilman Michael A. Iasalli
Stewardship Reports
Sally Van Allen presented a detailed Stewardship Report for the North End Burial Ground and Old Burial Ground. Poor fencing and damaged trees at the North End Burial Ground were priorities. Fence renewal has been a long-term priority, and Sundy emphasized her goal of having the East, West and South fences replaced before July 4th of this year.
A discussion about the poor appearance of the north fence was unresolved. This boundary is made up of a mismatch of poorly maintained private fences. Councilman Pell offered to check if these fences had been permitted by the Village.
Sally stated that there is about $5,000.00 in an account in the Southampton Village Historical Society that had been earmarked for the use of historic cemeteries; the current balance is $4,358.43. Sundy suggested these funds could be used as part of the North End fencing.
Treasurer’s Report
HBGS account balance is approximately $90,000.00 – Sundy will forward the exact amount.
North End Burial Ground Fencing
The plan for the North End Burial Ground fencing involves:
Town will introduce a resolution to approve the fencing proposal. If approved:
Parks Department will remove old fencing, and the highway department will dispose.
Gates will be installed in the picket fence. The south fence will be a stockade fence.
Roger offered a resolution that “If the Town Board approves the use of the SHHBC funds for the fencing of the North End Burial Ground, be it resolved that this Committee authorize the expenditure of the funds necessary to complete that project.” Tom seconded - all approved.
Outreach
Deborah spoke to the League of Women Voters about our Committee and found most there were not aware of the number of historic cemeteries in our Town but eager to learn and may be willing to contribute to maintain them. She was willing to contact other organizations but Councilmen Pell and Iasalli suggested she wait until a Town Line item in Municipal Funding for that purpose has been considered.
Julie said that the Southampton Rotary Club has volunteered to help clean headstones at the North End Burial Ground on Saturday 11:00 – 11:30. Julie will be there to show the proper use of the D2 cleaning solution where no scrubbing is required. Meeting members were invited to participate.
Remsenberg Cemetery
While this cemetery is only 1.2 aces there are 330 headstones, some dating from the 1850s. Councilman Isalli and Tom Rogers suggested that a new sign be made stating that this cemetery is Town-owned. No action was taken on this topic. After this meeting, Dennis was going to inspect gravestone condition. Julie said that the Hold Harmless agreement given to Dennis is due to be updated; she will follow up.
Ground Penetrating Radar
Roger stated that he is ready to do a Ground Penetrating Radar survey of the SW corner of the North End Burial Ground. This 8,000 square foot area has thirty-four headstones all of which it is believed to belong to the African American Community of Southampton. Councilman Isalli suggested that the GPR survey be video documented.
Historic Cemetery Maintenance
Councilman Iasalli reminded us of Southampton Town Law 291. It addresses the maintenance of town owned Cemeteries and “to erect and maintain suitable fences around such cemetery or burial ground”.
Councilman Pell wanted us to give him a projection of the Committee’s expected financial needs. While basic maintenance costs are known for cleaning solutions and the like, the biggest expense involves headstone repair. Dennis has repaired over 750 headstones over a 10-year period. Dennis’ dedicated work has saved the Town hundreds of thousands of dollars. Roger will provide a more detailed report.
Miscellaneous items
Need for standardized signs – North End sign to be corrected to 1721 (now says 1712)
Julie is planning Committee field trips to visit all Town-owned cemeteries. To be announced.
Meeting adjourned.