Information signs near entrances of a cemetery/graveyard
preditcon-PGO
Posts: 3 ✭✭
I'm well aware of the January 2020 guideline saying "signs at the entrances of cemeteries" are ineligible.
Does this extend to information signs within a cemetery that has been awarded status of a monument of national importance and where "cemetery tourism" is actively encouraged (cemetery is part of Association of significant cemeteries in Europe - ASCE and listed in European Cemeteries Route), in this case by providing a mobile app with a guide through the cemetery and via signs, which are posted as "route stops" that provide information about special sections of the cemetery?
I do not have an image of the particular sign I have in mind, but I do vaguely remember what is written on it. It describes a named section of the cemetery (Franciscan graveyard), its age (established in 1927), rough bounds, history and provides information about its significance. It also names the cardinal/bishop that first "blessed" the area. The actual sign is located directly after one of the side entrances. There is otherwise nothing special about the sign except for its textual content and the location where it is posted. Do the guidelines make such signs ineligible?
Best Answer
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Gendgi-PGO
Posts: 3,277 Ambassador
It would depend on more specifics of the sign. I believe a sign providing educational background of the cemetery and how the site is culturally and historically significant to the area would qualify, however if it is simply a sign or placard only stating "Historic Cemetery est 1653" and having no educational value, it would not be eligible.
There is guidance that exists on the Wayfarer help site that doesn't help, much, and is a bit contradicting to other guidelines, and even moderators have offered conflicting statements when they have given their opinions on this site.
Cemeteries or Graveyards
Acceptable: Headstones, statues or memorials dedicated to a historical figure, someone who is significant to the local community, or groups of individuals. For example, a WWII Veteran memorial.
Not acceptable: Signs at the entrance of cemeteries, cemetery directories, other headstones or memorials (regardless of how visually unique or artistic they are), or funeral homes.
Potentially Confusing Nominations:
Cemeteries, Burial Grounds, and Gravestones
Avoid nominations whose real-world locations appear to be cemeteries, burial grounds, or gravestones. Gravestones may be accepted, but only if the gravestone is publicly accessible and it belongs to a historical figure or significant community figure.
I'll leave this comment, too.
I believe the clarifications offered in the guidelines are more to discourage generic signage and directories and from over-flooding the area with "artistic" grave site markers.
Answers
It sounds like the sign you have in mind would pass as historically and culturally significant. I would not know what else to say about it without seeing it. You could submit it and see what happens.
It would depend on more specifics of the sign. I believe a sign providing educational background of the cemetery and how the site is culturally and historically significant to the area would qualify, however if it is simply a sign or placard only stating "Historic Cemetery est 1653" and having no educational value, it would not be eligible.
There is guidance that exists on the Wayfarer help site that doesn't help, much, and is a bit contradicting to other guidelines, and even moderators have offered conflicting statements when they have given their opinions on this site.
Clarifications: January 2020:
Cemeteries or Graveyards
Acceptable: Headstones, statues or memorials dedicated to a historical figure, someone who is significant to the local community, or groups of individuals. For example, a WWII Veteran memorial.
Not acceptable: Signs at the entrance of cemeteries, cemetery directories, other headstones or memorials (regardless of how visually unique or artistic they are), or funeral homes.
Potentially Confusing Nominations:
Cemeteries, Burial Grounds, and Gravestones
Avoid nominations whose real-world locations appear to be cemeteries, burial grounds, or gravestones. Gravestones may be accepted, but only if the gravestone is publicly accessible and it belongs to a historical figure or significant community figure.
I'll leave this comment, too.
I believe the clarifications offered in the guidelines are more to discourage generic signage and directories and from over-flooding the area with "artistic" grave site markers.
Unless it would be totally expected that large amounts of the public would regularly visit a spot (famous person, large war memorial etc.) within a cemetery, I reject them.
It is just inappropriate for those who visit these spaces and are more than likely grieving. There are so many other public things that can be submitted, I find approving these to help people play a game to be unnecessary and review accordingly.
I've decided against nominating the sign. I just don't think the sign itself is significant enough to become a wayspot. While it does contain educational information, there is not enough text to justify becoming a wayspot.