Berks County, one of the oldest counties in Pennsylvania, was founded on March 11, 1752. With a rich Pennsylvania-Dutch heritage and over 250 years of history, this region predates the Revolutionary War and contains numerous Colonial era cemeteries. The BCAGP (Berks County Association for Graveyard Preservation) believes in preserving the history of the region through restoration and maintenance of the more than 300 historic gravesites in the county.  Several of these sites are in a state of disrepair as time has taken its toll on the headstones and other surface features.  Misplaced grave markers, cemetery walls that have fallen or been torn down leaving the boundaries of the cemeteries in question, and unmarked burials are problems that the BCAGP works to overcome. 

Stone wall around the Bertolet Graveyard in Oley

Stone wall around the Hoch Cemetery near Fleetwood

Geophysical investigations were utilized to assist the association at the Hoch Cemetery on Route 662 just outside of Fleetwood.  This historic burial ground has several grave markers within the stone walls, but is believed to contain many more burials than the markers indicate.  Geophysical investigations were also utilized to assist the association at the Bertolet Graveyard in Oley.  This historic burial ground has several grave markers within the walled area, but is believed to contain more burials than the markers indicate.  Magnetometer and GPR surveys were performed at this site to assist the BCAGP in cemetery restoration.  Multiple potential burials were identified through the geophysical survey data analysis.