EASTON, Pa. — The city’s 176-year-old cemetery has a new executive director.
Keith Lampman-Perlman has been appointed to the role by the Historic Easton Cemetery’s board of directors, “ushering in a new era for one of the region’s most historically and culturally significant landmarks,” cemetery officials said in a Wednesday news release.
The cemetery, situated on 85 acres in the West Ward, is the largest green space in the city.
More than 42,000 people have been buried there, including George Taylor, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1990, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Over the past several years, the cemetery has gone through what officials have described as a “realignment,” because of changes in death care trends.
While the cemetery still operates as an active burial ground, officials also are working to generate revenue through membership, fundraisers and events.
“The Historic Easton Cemetery is a place of beauty, reverence and story."Keith Lampman-Perlman, executive director of Historic Easton Cemetery
“I am honored to serve an institution that holds such meaning for the people of Easton and the region,” Lampman-Perlman said in the release.
“The Historic Easton Cemetery is a place of beauty, reverence and story. I look forward to working with the board, our supporters and the community to elevate awareness, increase funding and ensure this sacred space thrives for generations to come.”
‘The right leader for this moment’
Lampman-Perlman, who moved to the Valley two years ago, has more than three decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, both at national and regional organizations, officials said.
In those roles, he’s focused on mission awareness and advancement, strategic fundraising, community engagement and impact, as well as strengthening philanthropic partnerships with stakeholders and donors.
"I have witnessed Keith in action and feel fortunate to have him guiding our cemetery into its next era of preservation, financial stability and growth.”Marshall Wolff, president of the cemetery’s board of directors
“We are thrilled to welcome Keith into this role at such an important time for the Historic Easton Cemetery,” said Marshall Wolff, president of the cemetery’s board of directors.
“His depth of nonprofit leadership, both nationally and here in our region, combined with his passion for awareness-building and community impact, make him the right leader for this moment.
"I have witnessed Keith in action and feel fortunate to have him guiding our cemetery into its next era of preservation, financial stability and growth.”
Key priorities he’ll oversee include growing philanthropic support to secure the cemetery’s long-term sustainability and strengthening preservation of historic pathways, monuments and structures.
Also, revitalizing the cemetery’s entrance gates and caretaker’s house, expanding community engagement and mission-appropriate on-site events and enhancing educational programming and visitor experiences.
“Keith’s leadership in building awareness and strengthening partnerships, as well as identifying sustainable funding streams, gives me great confidence that the cemetery’s future will be one of preservation and growth,” Sharon Ashton, treasurer and search committee leader, said.
