Committee backs temporary markers and website mapping for Revolutionary War burials

The Portsmouth Cemetery Committee agreed to allow temporary, low-cost markers for Revolutionary War burials in North Cemetery and asked staff to post Sue Polidura’s list online and to develop a phone-friendly walking tour with GPS locators.

Polidura told the committee she cross-referenced documents and identified 40 people she believes directly participated in the Revolutionary War; she said adding a broader “patriot service” category — people who supported the war effort but did not fight — would roughly double the list. “I found 40,” Polidura said, and the committee agreed the highlighted names (those who participated in the Fort William and Mary raid) should be emphasized on the web and in materials.

For the 250th commemoration this summer, Polidura proposed temporary ribbon markers stapled to wooden stakes so visitors can identify gravesites; she said simple ribbons are inexpensive and less likely to be stolen than metal markers. Committee members requested extras to account for damage and asked staff to create a temporary interpretive sign or routed message near the cemetery entrance explaining the markers.

Staff proposed immediately posting the PDF list in the historic-cemeteries section of the city website and working with city GIS staff to add GPS coordinates so the list can become an interactive walking map. Committee members also suggested adding short biographical notes for each person and linking cameo portraits to fuller background on the web.

The committee authorized placing temporary stakes for the summer event and asked staff to pursue a more durable, interpretive sign for longer-term use.