About the Project
Why We Are Doing This
Old Tranquil Cemetery has been abandoned for decades. The Old Tranquil Preservation Society was founded by descendants and neighbors who believe these ancestors deserve better.
Our Mission
The Old Tranquil Preservation Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and ongoing care of Old Tranquil Cemetery in Newbury County, South Carolina.
The cemetery sits within the Sumter National Forest, which means it falls outside the jurisdiction of local county cemetery maintenance programs. For decades, this has left it without a caretaker — and the forest has moved in.
We are working in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to secure the necessary permits and access to carry out the restoration. Our goal is not only to restore what has been damaged, but to establish a permanent maintenance structure so this never happens again.
The Restoration Plan in Detail
The work ahead is significant but achievable. Here is what we are planning, in order of urgency:
Access Road Clearing
Several large pine trees have grown directly adjacent to and among the gravestones. Their root systems are already disturbing the ground, and their weight poses a collapse risk. Professional arborists will remove these trees safely, protecting the markers beneath.
Perimeter Fencing
A durable perimeter fence will be installed around the cemetery boundary. This serves two purposes: it protects the grounds from further encroachment, and it clearly marks the sacred space for visitors and future generations.
Gravestone Documentation and Restoration
Every gravestone will be photographed, documented, and entered into a permanent digital record. Fallen or damaged markers will be stabilized and, where possible, restored. This record will be made publicly available for genealogical research.
Maintenance Endowment
A portion of all funds raised will be set aside in a maintenance endowment — a dedicated fund that generates income for ongoing care. Regular mowing, inspection, and minor repairs will be funded in perpetuity, ensuring the cemetery is never abandoned again.
Working with Sumter National Forest
Because Old Tranquil Cemetery sits within the boundaries of the Sumter National Forest, all restoration work requires coordination with the U.S. Forest Service. We are actively engaged with the Forest Service to secure the necessary permits and to ensure that our work meets federal standards. This partnership is essential — and we are grateful for the Forest Service's recognition of the cemetery's historical and cultural significance.
Get Involved
Whether you are a descendant, a neighbor, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who believes the past deserves to be honored — there is a place for you in this work.