City of Farmers Branch, Historical Park - Keenan Cemetery Assessment

FAIN: PG-280883-21

City of Farmers Branch (Farmers Branch, TX 75234-6253)
Hillary Kidd (Project Director: January 2021 to January 2023)

A preservation assessment of a Texas state historical site, the Keenan Cemetery. Established in 1843, the cemetery is the burial place for many pioneer families, as well as veterans ranging from the War of 1812 to Vietnam. The assessment would result in guidance for the preservation of each grave. Ultimately, this would promote further research into the lives of the cemetery's permanent residents and the organization's educational and public programming initiatives.

The Keenan Cemetery was established in 1843 and is designated as a Texas state historical site. It is the burial place for many pioneer families, as well as veterans from the War of 1812 to the Vietnam conflict. In April 2020, a geophysical survey was performed at the Keenan Cemetery to provide the basis of gravesites; locate any unmarked graves; mark those graves; and begin research through archival information for those who were buried in an unmarked grave. The next step in preserving the Keenan Cemetery is to have a professional assessment of the current gravesites. This assessment will provide a detailed evaluation and cost of restoration needs for each grave. By having this evaluation and cost, the Historical Park will be able to create a plan of action and apply for grant funds for the restoration needs, beginning restoration on the gravesites most needed.