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Kitsap County News











*May 27, 2025*

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *

Historic Silverdale Cemetery Added to Washington Heritage Register

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*PORT ORCHARD, Wash.* — Silverdale Cemetery, located at 10950 Impasse Pl NW in Silverdale, has officially been added to the Washington Heritage Register [ [link removed] ], recognizing its enduring cultural and historical significance to the Silverdale community and Washington state.

The 4.87-acre cemetery was established in 1896 when William Acker dedicated the land for cemetery use. William Littlewood (1823-1895), a logger and the earliest recorded settler in the Silverdale area appearing in the 1857 census, is believed to be the first community member buried there.



silverdale cemetary

"Silverdale Cemetery is not only a resting place for many of our community's early settlers and veterans, but it continues to serve a vital role today. It has been used for the dignified burial of 92 indigent individuals to date—underscoring its ongoing relevance and compassionate service to our community," said Commissioner Katie Walters. "This site holds deep historical significance, reflecting Silverdale's heritage and the stories of those who helped shape our region. Recognizing Silverdale Cemetery on the Heritage Register ensures that its legacy is preserved and honored for generations to come."

The cemetery was formally founded by a group of 20 local men who formed the Silverdale Cemetery Association on Aug. 20, 1917, with the purpose of providing a final resting place for community members.

The cemetery houses the remains of many notable Silverdale pioneers including:


* Charles E. Greaves (1866-1944), who helped establish the first bank in the area and survived an attempted murder in 1927;
* Christian Braendlein (1861-1932), who named the community of Silverdale; and
* Thomas Hagener (1856-1947), organizer of the first farmer's co-op in the state in 1887.

The cemetery also continues to serve the community in meaningful ways. In 2002, a cemetery member donated two lots to the Kitsap County Medical Examiner's office [ [link removed] ] for the burial of indigent individuals, and to date, 92 indigent community members are buried there.

Silverdale Cemetery now joins more than 2,100 other sites listed on the Washington Heritage Register [ [link removed] ], a statewide program administered by the  Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation [ [link removed] ] (DAHP) that honors locations of exceptional historical significance.

In a letter to Commissioner Walters, State Historic Preservation Officer Allyson Brooks, Ph.D., emphasized that listing on the register is an honor that comes with potential benefits, including property tax deductions and code waivers designed to support the preservation of historic resources.



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*About the Washington Heritage Register*

The Washington Heritage Register is the official statewide list of sites and properties that embody Washington's rich history. The register is managed by DAHP, which promotes the preservation of cultural and historic resources across the state.

*About Kitsap County*

"Located in Washington, ""Kitsap County" [ [link removed] ]" is home to over 270,000 residents across 566 square miles, making it the seventh- most populated county in the state. Bordered by the Hood Canal and Puget Sound, Kitsap offers residents, businesses, and visitors a stunning natural beauty and a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm. The county includes the cities of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island, as well as many unincorporated communities. " 

"Kitsap County is led by a three-member Board of Commissioners that is committed to providing high-quality services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for all residents while fostering economic growth, environmental conservation, and sustainable development." 

"For more information about Kitsap County services and initiatives, visit ""www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]" or follow us on social media ""@KitsapWa" [ [link removed] ]"." 

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*Links in this document*

Washington Heritage Register: [link removed]

Kitsap County Medical Examiner's office: [link removed]

Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation: [link removed]

"Kitsap County: "www.kitsap.gov [ [link removed] ]

"@KitsapWA: ""www.facebook.com/KitsapWa" [ [link removed] ]

"Website: ""www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]

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Contact Information

Krista Carlson, Communications Manager & PIO, Board of County Commissioners [email protected], 564.222.0375

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