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Preserving History,

Remembering Lives

Est. 1873

 

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Headstones along the river at the Parsons Cemetery
Large headstone with a cross on top at the Parsons Cemetery

About Us

Parsons Cemetery is today both operational and historic. It is an urban green space, an outdoor museum, and in the words of architectural historian, Keith Eggener, urban cemeteries “are where life meets death, nature meets city, and present meets past.”

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Take a Tour

Parsons Cemetery covers 18 acres and is divided into several sections. View one of our walking tours and learn what Parsons has to offer.

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Brewington Headstone with a large statue on top

Preserving History

Parsons is an not only an active, operational cemetery, but it is also a historical site rich with information about Salisbury’s past. Many of Salisbury’s past leaders rest here. The Parsons Cemetery Advisory Committee is dedicated to providing historical information for our patrons. On our Preserving History page you will find our gravesite finder app, geneaological links, and information about the veterans and first responders interred in Parsons Cemetery.

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The Wicomico County champion Southern Red Oak

Preserving Our Environment

Historic Parsons Cemetery is both an operational cemetery and an urban green space. Many of our neighbors use the cemetery daily to take a stroll, walk their dogs, ride a bike, or go bird watching. It is this parklike atmosphere that sets us apart from many cemeteries in our area, and we are dedicated to keeping it that way for future generations. Recently, we mapped and identified all the trees and shrubs in Parsons Cemetery and were amazed to discover that we had a wide and diverse variety of tree and shrub species, and that was the inspiration for Parsons Cemetery getting accredited as a Level-1 arboretum through ArbNet. ArbNet supports a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world, and that matches the mission of the cemetery.

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Two young girls cleaning headstones at the Parsons Cemetery
Wreaths across America at Parsons Cemetery

Working with Our Community

Parsons Cemetery takes great pride in working with the local community on many events and projects. Each December, we partner with Operation We Care to host a Wreaths Across America event where we honor the nearly 1400 veterans interred in Parsons. We have several events during the year where many local organizations volunteer their time to keep the cemetery clean and the veteran markers maintained. Parsons is grateful for the number of hours volunteered by the members of our local community. We welcome organizations to use our beautiful setting to hold their own fundraising events.

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Donate to Parsons

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Upcoming Events @Parsons-Cemetery

Recent Posts @Parsons-Cemetery

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We found a set of keys at the cemetery. If you lost them, please call us at 410-749-6571 and describe them ... See MoreSee Less

As we approach Memorial Day - do you know the difference? ... See MoreSee Less

From the diaries of Mae Jones, May 12, 1926:
"I declare 11:00 o'clock and I declare I can mark it down that we have given the operetta once. It was really a success. Oh boy just think of wearing new patent leather slippers for the first time. I had a wonderful time and tomorrow night we go to Crisfield."

Throughout SU's centennial year, we will be posting passages from the diaries of one of the very first students, Mae Jones, at Maryland State Normal School, now Salisbury University, in 1925. You can read the full transcription of Mae Jones' diary (SUA-046) on Internet Archive.

Salisbury University Alumni Association Salisbury University Libraries Salisbury University Department of History
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Our living shoreline is starting to bloom. The first flowers of the season are blue irises. ... See MoreSee Less

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Fun Fact Friday 💙

May is both Older Americans Month and Mental Health Awareness Month - the perfect reminder that mental health matters at every age.

Through MAC’s PEARLS program, older adults are finding support, connection, and real tools to help manage depression and improve their well-being.

Aging well means caring for the mind, body, and spirit. ✨
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Photos from Arbor Day Foundation's post ... See MoreSee Less

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#RememberMe ... See MoreSee Less

Archival collections are often best when they come from the subject directly, rather than someone examining a person, family, or subject. After all, people tell their own stories the best. In 2003, SU student Milah Ewell submitted her folklife assignment that examined the experiences of African American students at a predominately white college. These assignments were submitted to Dr. Polly Stewart between 1973 and 2003, comprising the 1400+ incredible folklife collections here at the Nabb Center, with several relating to SU history. In Ewell’s assignment, she included photographs, audio recordings on microcassette, video on VHS, a headband with UDI written in glitter glue, and other papers that capture a glimpse of these students experiences in the early 2000s.

Post 94 of 100. In this series of posts, the archivists at the Nabb Center are highlighting 100 exceptional items that can be found in the Salisbury University Archives. All items can be viewed upon request in the research room during open hours (M-F 10-4), or online in the Nabb Center's digital collections. For additional information about an item highlighted in a post or collections in the University Archives, please email jhpulsney@salisbury.edu.

Salisbury University Alumni Association Salisbury University Libraries Salisbury University Department of History
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