Together We Preserve
Community
The Earltown Church Cemetery belongs to the community — to every family with roots here, every person who walks these grounds, and everyone who believes that heritage is worth protecting.
Our Roots
A Cemetery Rooted in Community
The Earltown Church Cemetery has always been more than a burial ground — it is the collective memory of an entire community, the physical record of the families who settled these hills, built these farms, raised these children, and made this corner of Nova Scotia their home.
From Tatamagouche to River John, from Earltown proper to the surrounding hollows and ridges of Colchester County, the names in this cemetery tell the story of a community: the MacKenzies and Frasers, the Sutherlands and MacDonalds, the Munros and Rosses — and the many other families who have made this place their own across two centuries.
We are proud to serve this community and all those who trace their origins to it — whether they live down the road or across an ocean.
Our Work in the Community
Heritage Preservation & Community Engagement
Preserving the Earltown Church Cemetery means preserving the community's story — and that work extends well beyond the gates of the cemetery itself.
Historical Documentation
We work to document, photograph, and preserve historical records related to the cemetery and the broader Earltown community — contributing to the permanent heritage record of Colchester County and Nova Scotia.
Genealogical Support
We actively support individuals researching their family history and Colchester County genealogy, providing access to our records and working alongside local and provincial heritage organizations.
Cemetery Walks & Tours
Periodically, we facilitate guided walks of the cemetery grounds for community members, students, and heritage visitors — bringing history to life through the stories of the people interred here.
Annual Community Days
We organize annual cemetery maintenance days and community gatherings that bring together volunteers and community members for shared stewardship of the grounds and collective remembrance.
Community Outreach
We maintain connections with local schools, heritage societies, libraries, and community organizations — sharing the history of the cemetery and its community with new generations of Nova Scotians.
Recognition of Heritage
We work to identify and recognize significant heritage markers, family monuments, and historically important burial sites within the cemetery — advocating for their long-term protection and public recognition.
Get Involved
Volunteer with Us
The Earltown Church Cemetery Company is powered by the generous spirit of community volunteers. Without the time, energy, and commitment of our volunteers, the work of preserving and maintaining this historic cemetery would simply not be possible.
We welcome volunteers with a wide range of skills and interests. Whether you enjoy working outdoors, have a passion for local history, or can contribute administrative or professional expertise — there is a place for you in our volunteer community.
Grounds Maintenance Volunteers
Assist with seasonal mowing, trimming, pathway maintenance, and general grounds upkeep on scheduled volunteer days.
Heritage Research Volunteers
Assist with the photography, transcription, and digitization of cemetery records, headstones, and historical documentation.
Board & Committee Members
Share your professional expertise in governance, finance, law, heritage, or community development by serving on our board or advisory committees.
Our Community
Who We Serve
Our doors are open to all. The Earltown Church Cemetery serves a broad and diverse community of families, researchers, and heritage visitors.
Local Families
Families in Tatamagouche and Colchester County seeking burial, plot, or records services for themselves or their loved ones.
Diaspora Families
Descendants of Earltown families now living across Canada, the United States, and around the world who seek to connect with their Nova Scotia roots.
Genealogists & Researchers
Professional and amateur genealogists, historians, and heritage researchers seeking access to our records and documentation.
Heritage Visitors
Visitors to the Tatamagouche area interested in experiencing the history, culture, and beauty of this remarkable rural heritage site.
"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main."— John Donne | In the Spirit of Community
Our Grounds
The Place We Cherish