Archdiocese of New Orleans imposes new rules to protect St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Recent incidents of vandalism and criminal activity at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 have forced new security measures for people who visit the historic site.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans announced the change Monday morning in an attempt to curtail and protect the cemetery after a recent uptick in criminal activity.
"We want to protect the cemetery, but also ensure the visitors to the cemetery are receiving correct information from a licensed and insured tour guide to protect them as well," said Sherri Peppo, director of the archdiocesan cemeteries office.
In the past year, Peppo said, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 has been broken into and vandalized several times. She said that in some instances, security cameras have been removed from the site.
She said another reason for the new security measures are recent reports of unlicensed tour guides encouraging tourists to deface tombs or giving false historical information for outrageous fees.
"[With] these things going on, we had to take action to increase security and better monitor what is going on in the cemetery," Peppo said.
According to the archdiocese, tour companies and guides will have to register with Peppo's office, show proof of insurance and city licensing and pay a registration fee. Rates range from a $450 monthly fee to $4,500 annually in order to be compliant.
Small companies or tour guides who operate occasional tours can still register. They will be issued a one-time $40 pass to the cemetery.
Peppo said the the new measures have received support from local groups like Save Our Cemeteries and the Professional Tour Guides of New Orleans. She added that the revenue brought in from the permits will go directly toward making improvements at the cemetery, such as 24-hour security and restoration projects.
The new plan will be effective beginning in March, when tourists will be asked to join a tour to visit the cemetery. More information can be found on the archdiocese's cemeteries website.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans announced the change Monday morning in an attempt to curtail and protect the cemetery after a recent uptick in criminal activity.
"We want to protect the cemetery, but also ensure the visitors to the cemetery are receiving correct information from a licensed and insured tour guide to protect them as well," said Sherri Peppo, director of the archdiocesan cemeteries office.
In the past year, Peppo said, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 has been broken into and vandalized several times. She said that in some instances, security cameras have been removed from the site.
She said another reason for the new security measures are recent reports of unlicensed tour guides encouraging tourists to deface tombs or giving false historical information for outrageous fees.
"[With] these things going on, we had to take action to increase security and better monitor what is going on in the cemetery," Peppo said.
According to the archdiocese, tour companies and guides will have to register with Peppo's office, show proof of insurance and city licensing and pay a registration fee. Rates range from a $450 monthly fee to $4,500 annually in order to be compliant.
Small companies or tour guides who operate occasional tours can still register. They will be issued a one-time $40 pass to the cemetery.
Peppo said the the new measures have received support from local groups like Save Our Cemeteries and the Professional Tour Guides of New Orleans. She added that the revenue brought in from the permits will go directly toward making improvements at the cemetery, such as 24-hour security and restoration projects.
The new plan will be effective beginning in March, when tourists will be asked to join a tour to visit the cemetery. More information can be found on the archdiocese's cemeteries website.
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