Mattapoisett’s Hammond Cemetery to Be Officially Recognized as Revolutionary War Burial Site

National recognition is coming to the Hammond Cemetery on River Road in Mattapoisett. The cemetery will be designated a Revolutionary War Burial Site at a ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 19.

Raymond Hanks, an organizer who chairs Mattapoisett's Cemetery Advisory Committee, visited Townsquare Sunday to discuss the ceremony and the importance of the designation.

"We have 20 Revolutionary War dead interred in the Hammond Cemetery, plus nine more buried at the Barlow Cemetery just around the corner," he said. "All are colonists."

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Uncovering Mattapoisett's Forgotten Revolutionary War Patriots

Before there could be a ceremony, all of the war dead buried at Hammond Cemetery had to be researched and vetted. Hanks credited his friend of 40-plus years, Steve Watts, for helping with that task. Watts is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, introducing Hanks to the right people to get the job done. "He was invaluable. I couldn't have done it without him," Hanks said.

Hanks sees the ceremony as a historical and educational event. He's urging parents to bring their children.

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What to Expect at the September 19 Recognition Ceremony

"There will be fife and drums, Revolutionary War soldiers dressed in period costumes, a Scout Troop from Rochester taking part in the ceremony, and several speakers,  including Congressman William Keating and State Rep. Mark Sylvia, and possibly a direct descendant from the Hammond family," he said.

Ten members of the Hammond family, all Revolutionary War Patriots, are buried at the Hammond Cemetery.

Important Parking and Shuttle Information for Attendees

The Recognition Ceremony is free and open to the public. Because of limited parking, Hanks is asking that people not drive to the site, but rather take a shuttle bus from the Old Hammond School starting at 9:15 a.m.

"These 20 patriots sacrificed everything they owned, everything they possessed in the fight for freedom," Hanks said. "No veteran should ever be forgotten, including those who fought in the Revolution."

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