Events Across South County for Cemetery Weeks 2025

Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Awareness & Preservation Weeks (better known as Rhode Island Cemetery Weeks) returns this April–May 2025 with cleanups, walking tours, workshops, and storytelling events held statewide.

These events not only preserve the final resting places of early settlers, veterans, and local legends—they also offer a meaningful way to connect with our past.

Here in South County, several towns are hosting unique events open to the public.

Here’s a look at what’s happening around the area:

South Kingstown

Sunday, April 27, 2025 – Old Burying Ground Walking Tour

South Rd., near the Peace Dale Library, South Kingstown

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Take a step back in time with a guided walk through SK005, the historic South Kingstown Old Burying Ground. Learn about colonial gravestone art, Puritan symbolism, and the people who helped shape the region.

Charlestown

Saturday, May 3, 2025 – Stone Cleaning Workshop at CH012

Old Coach Rd., Charlestown

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Get hands-on experience in gravestone cleaning and conservation at a free workshop led by cemetery preservation professionals. All materials and training provided—just bring gloves and a passion for history!

Richmond

Saturday, May 10, 2025 – Discovering Carolina's Hidden History

Carolina Back Rd., Richmond

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Join local historians for a guided tour of RI Historical Cemetery #28 in the Carolina village area of Richmond. Learn about the early families who settled the region and the significance of this small but meaningful site.

Hopkinton

Saturday, May 17, 2025 – Evening Cemetery Stories at HP045

Ashaway Rd., Hopkinton

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

As the sun sets over Ashaway, take a twilight tour of HP045, where storytellers will bring to life tales of Revolutionary War veterans and early settlers. A unique blend of education and atmosphere—don’t forget your flashlight!

For the full schedule of events statewide, visit: https://rihistoriccemeteries.org/events.aspx