The Pike County Historical, Genealogical and Preservation Society will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday in the community room of Troy Bank & Trust next to Lowe’s.

Dianne Smith, society president, said the meeting is open to all who have an interest in Pike County cemeteries.

Hannah Garmon, with the Alabama Historical Commission, will be the featured speaker. Garmon heads the historical cemetery program and she will focus on the cemetery preservation program and historical markers.

“We encourage those who have an interest in maintaining the cemeteries here in Pike County to join us for this very informative program,” Smith said. “The Pike County Historical, Genealogical and Preservation Society is trying to get all Pike County cemeteries listed with that Alabama Registry so they will have a designation and be preserved and protected.”

Smith said there are about 200 cemeteries in Pike County, some of which are private and some are unmarked.

“We are trying to do a survey on all the graves and markers,” Smith said.

“The historical society is searching old Messengers on line for obituaries and interesting stories associated with cemeteries for a planned publication, which will also include family photos and related information.”

The Pike County Historical, Genealogical and Preservation Society has a publication ready for sale that is based on a standing newspaper feature titled, “Some Old People.”

Smith said from 1889-1891, the Messenger featured interviews with older people that had experienced the Civil War, the Indian War and other major events of their time.

“The publication gives interesting information about the lives of those people and also about happenings in and around Pike County during those times,” Smith said. “This is a very interesting and informative publication. We will have copies for sale for $25 for those who are interested.”

The copies will be available at the Sunday meeting of the Pike County historical society. Visitors are invited and welcomed.