In a video posted by Pumpkintown Primitives, which has garnered over 214,800 views since its release on October 5, 2023, historians and preservation enthusiasts embarked on a journey to find the oldest dated tombstone in America.

The man behind the channel, David Gillespie, has searched Palisado Cemetery, where the gravestone of Ephraim Huit was confirmed as the oldest documented burial marker.

The stone, dating back 379 years, stands as a testament to the early settlers of New England and the craftsmanship of historic gravestone carvers.

He highlighted not only the age of the stone but also the significance of its unique engravings and preservation techniques.

Using a simple yet effective mirror trick, he was able to reveal centuries-old inscriptions that had faded over time, bringing the words of the past back to life. And as the result, he finally discovered this oldest dated tombstone in America.

Safeguarding History Through Digital Preservation

Ephraim Huit’s Tombstone
Fortunately, the cemetery has been digitally preserved, ensuring that its historical value remains protected for future generations, like this oldest dated tombstone in America.

The stories of individuals like Ephraim Huit and other historical figures can now be documented, shared, and remembered. This effort allows their legacies to live on and be told to generations ahead.

At the core of this preservation effort is Chronicle’s cemetery management software, which provides a modern and accurate approach to documenting cemeteries. Through Chronicle Pro, Palisado Cemetery has been able to:

Accurately map historical gravesites
Preserve cemetery records for long-term accessibility
Ensure historical interments remain properly documented
Make cemetery data available for genealogists, historians, and the public
Chronicle’s technology allows for detailed digital mapping, ensuring that even the oldest and most fragile graves can be identified, protected, and accessed through digital platforms. By combining historical records with GPS mapping, the software helps cemeteries bridge the gap between the past and the future.

Janet Ellsworth, a representative from the cemetery, shared her gratitude for the support provided by Chronicle during this monumental project. She emphasized the collaborative and accommodating nature of the relationship between the cemetery and Chronicle.

In her testimonial, Janet expressed appreciation for Chronicle’s responsiveness and how the team’s willingness to accommodate requests stood in stark contrast to typical vendor relationships.

“I’ve worked with numerous software providers throughout my career, but with Chronicle, there’s no combative air. You’ve been accommodating in every step of the process,” Janet said. “The pricing was reasonable, and even when we faced challenges—such as the scale of our historical records—you stood by us and delivered an excellent product. We’re extremely grateful for your support, and we’re excited about this project’s future impact.”

Bridging the Past and Future Through Technology
ephraim huit chronicle oldest dated tombstone in America
Ephraim Huit’s story in Chronicle
By utilizing Chronicle Pro, the cemetery has ensured that its historical assets are preserved in a way that allows future generations to learn from and honor the individuals who shaped early American history, like this oldest dated tombstone in America.

The software not only maps the physical layout of the cemetery but also provides the tools to attach historical data, creating an invaluable resource for genealogists, historians, and the general public.

Everyone can access the cemetery records and locate the location of their loved ones from their online map.

The significance of this project goes beyond just one gravestone. It marks a new era of cemetery preservation, where modern technology and historical integrity meet to safeguard the stories of the past.

As Janet and the team at Palisado Cemetery reflect on their collaboration with Chronicle, they express a deep sense of pride and responsibility to protect this treasure for future generations.