Located on 44 acres in Cortland, NY sits the 162-year-old Cortland Rural Cemetery. The cemetery was established in 1853 and is home to over 19,000 graves. There are also multiple historic building on the grounds.
In the summer of 2015, the cemetery opened a “cemetrail” that features 20 interpretive signs throughout the grounds as well as tree markers. The self-guided tour provides educational insights on some of the cemetery’s noteworthy burials, history and operations. The signs were developed in cooperation with the students and faculty from SUNY Cortland.
“The term “cemetrail” is mine,” said John Hoeschele, Board President. “The idea of the name and the concept for the trail itself came from one of my many walks around the cemetery. Trying to view our ‘assets’ in a new light, no one gives grants to cemeteries but many folks will give grants to folks who are developing trail networks, doing cultural events, holding historic tours and supporting genealogy. So, while it’s semantics (our trails are in fact the very same roads they have always been), calling them something else and something more upbeat and intriguing — and then treating them that way in actuality over time.”
For the cemetery’s 20 interpretive signs they chose Frameless Pedestals from Pannier’s newest line of exhibit bases. The sleek, simple look of the Frameless Pedestals fit perfectly along the trail in the cemetery. To display their graphics they chose Gel Coat Laminate due to its ability to withstand the harsh New York winters.
“The Cortland Rural Cemetery was very pleased with the expertise, advice, service, and final product we received on the interpretive signs for our project,” said Hoeschele. “Pannier made it easy to submit our artwork; did a good job helping us proof the sign content and raise questions if they saw anything amiss, which was a nice value-added; the quality of the signs and pedestals was outstanding and just as described; service throughout the process — from quoting, to production, to shipping, to installation instructions and guidance was excellent. Put simply, we’re pleased as punch, will be back when occasion arises, and would gladly recommend Pannier to others.”