With warmer weather on the way, the Tunkhannock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are continuing their efforts to preserve the historic Marcy Cemetery in Tunkhannock.
Since March 2023, the group has worked to clean headstones, clear brush and debris, and maintain the cemetery. The latest step was to remove dangerous trees, dead limbs, and old stumps in February 2024.
“It’s interesting because all the trees weren’t here when they built the cemetery,” said arborist Tim Morris. “These graves have been here for two hundred years in some cases. The trees come and go in the meantime, or they were put here by accident by the wildlife. It’s a lot to keep up with.”
Once the tree work is finished, the DAR will hire a monument company to repair and stabilize the historic headstones, which have shifted over the years. They also plan to repair the cemetery’s stone wall.
Located on Sunnyside Road, the Marcy Cemetery was first documented in 1798. It is named for Zebulon Marcy, a Revolutionary War patriot and early settler of the area. The Tunkhannock DAR previously worked on the cemetery for the United States Bicentennial. This time, they’re looking forward to America250PA, the semiquincentennial celebration set for 2026.
“There are so many little cemeteries hidden around. It’s sad because usually they have veterans in them,” said DAR member Judy Mead. “It’s good to remember the history and the soldiers. Hopefully, this inspires people to take care of the cemeteries around them.”
Maintaining the Marcy Cemetery is an ongoing job. The DAR is grateful for volunteers, who can help with tasks like raking leaves, mowing the grass, pulling weeds, planting flowers, and more. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to Cindy Lake Holdridge, Chair of Historic Preservation, at nicholson19451@outlook.com.
The recent tree work was funded in part by the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau and Wyoming County Room Tax. Community members have also provided generous donations to help with the project. If you’re interested in donating, please make checks payable to Tunkhannock Chapter DAR and mail to Cindy Lake Holdridge, 105 Chemung St., Sayre, PA 18840.
The Tunkhannock Chapter DAR is a patriotic service organization of women who can trace their lineage to a patriot, or someone who aided on the side of the colonies in the American Revolution. The Tunkhannock Chapter started in Wyoming County in June 1900. For more information and updates on the Marcy Cemetery, follow their Facebook page.