HAMPTON -- Eagle Scout candidate Kevin Buckley of Hampton Boy Scout Troop 177 has begun to work on his Eagle Leadership Project, which will begin with the documentation of the Ring Swamp Cemetery.

The project was suggested by the Hampton Heritage Commission to make a permanent record of the more than 350 gravestones in the cemetery, which is located on Park Avenue in Hampton.

The Ring Swamp Cemetery has markers that date back to the 1800s through 1934. Over the past three centuries, the gravestones have been deteriorating; in some cases, this deterioration was caused by vandalism.

The project will focus on documenting all the headstones (photographs will be taken) and updating existing epitaphs, and will include information about the headstones. A map of the graves will be created as well.

Once all the material is collected, a database will be compiled to preserve the history of the cemetery. In addition, the main gate to the cemetery will be renovated, and general clean up and landscaping duties will take place.

Kevin Buckley will need sponsors to help fund this project. Community and Boy Scout volunteers will provide the labor. Anyone who would like to make a contribution may call Kevin at (603) 926-6120.