baltimore

Baltimore County

Cemetery gate

Baltimore County, established 1659, county seat Towson

News from the County

In the Summer 2005 issue of the Courier there was information regarding the Shealy Cemetery in Towson. “The cemetery has been in the news lately for the effort to have the area
designated as historic. It is in one of the Towson Center shopping district parking lots. It is relatively well cared for, i.e., grass is cut and trash removed.”, according to Melvin Mason.

Here are the minutes of the Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing held on November 10, 2005.

Next was item 13, the Shealy Cemetery, a ca. 140 years-old burial place of the town’s founders. The recommendation was to place it on the Landmarks List under criteria 1 and 5
(that it has yielded, or may be likely to yield information or materials important in prehistory or history).

Mr. Mike Davis, representing Heritage Properties, stated that his client was not opposed to the nomination. Referring to a written agreement between Heritage and the descendants
of the Shealy family, Heritage committed to preserve and maintain the property. He also claimed that cemeteries were protected under State law. He continued that the reason for his
appearance before the Commission was that there was a major development project for the site surrounding the cemetery. He did not wish that Landmarks Listing would impact these
plans and wanted this to be reflected in the minutes. Referring to a letter prepared by Mr. David Iannucci, Executive Director of the Department of Economic Development, Mr. Davis
noted that his request was within the spirit of County Plans for this site. Mr. Matthews inquired whether the proposed development would allow the existence of the cemetery to continue.
Mr. Davis replied that the plans asked for enhancement and raised awareness of the cemetery. Mr. Griffith asked who owned the cemetery. Ms. Ruth Muscari answered that
John McGrain researched the property years ago, but that clear ownership was never established.

Ms. McIver moved to place the Shealy Cemetery on the Preliminary Landmarks List under Criteria 1 and 5. Mr. Stevens seconded the motion, which passed unanimously on a voice vote.
[Information copied verbatim from:

http://www.baltimorecountyonline.info/Agencies/planning/historic_preservation/lpc_meetings_archive.html]

Pictures of the Shealy Cemetery in Towson, Maryland taken by Melvin Mason ©

Some County Sources:

Baltimore County's link in Sailor, Maryland's Public Information Network
http://www.sailor.lib.md.us/MD_topics/gov/cou_bal.html

Baltimore County Courts
County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 887-2601
http://www.courts.state.md.us/baltcty.html

Baltimore County Genealogical Society (BCGS)
P. O. Box 10085
Towson, MD 21285-0085
http://www.serve.com/bcgs/bcgs.html

Baltimore County Public Library
http://www.bcplonline.org/

Catonsville Historical Society
P. O. Box 21154
Catonsville, MD 21228

Maryland Tombstone Transcription Project for Baltimore County
http://www.usgwtombstones.org/maryland/baltocounty.html

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Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites, P. O. Box 1533, Ellicott City, MD 21041