Several Butler County cemeteries and burial plots are going to get some much-needed attention from two local civic organizations.

People Against Threats and Harassment and the Butler County Genealogical Society are individually working on preserving local cemeteries and documenting the grave markers in them.

That may be a natural for the genealogical society, but it seems less so for the group known as PATH, a community service organization for kids ages 10 to 18.

But PATH founder Don Minto said he has been looking for a new community service project for his kids, and he thought this one would give them a sense of history while helping their community.

He recalled visiting a Revolutionary War-era cemetery years ago and the emotions it stirred up in him. "You think about what those guys fought and died for and the conditions they were under," he said. "It breaks your heart."

PATH, organized in 2000 as a group of skateboarders who wanted to build a skate park, recently started compiling information on cemeteries and burial plots in the area. It hopes to start its cleanup efforts in the spring. The group is seeking new members and has opened its doors to parents of participants.

"My program is designed to give kids recognition for things they don't normally get recognized for," Minto said. "I think it will help revitalize some of the history in the area."

The genealogical society, meanwhile, hopes to catalog about 200 cemeteries in 10 municipalities. Co-founder Pat Collins and a group of 10 members are spearheading the work.

The society is working on organizing its findings by municipality and publishing them. The book will feature global positioning system coordinates for sites, giving individuals a more precise chance of finding a headstone or plot.Proceeds from the books will go to the Butler County Historical Society and the Butler Area Public Library, which houses a genealogy room.

Collins noted that the 94-member society is always in need of two things: new members and artifacts, such as letters, photos or maps.

"What's not important today may be important tomorrow," said Collins, urging residents not to throw away old letters and photos.

PATH meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays in the basement of 222 W. Cunningham St., Butler. For more information, contact Don Minto at 724-496-5620 or donpsc@zoominternet.net.

The Butler County Genealogical Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month in Butler Area Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., Butler. For more information, e-mail bcgs@zoominternet.net.