The Martha’s Vineyard Museum will hold the eighth annual ceremony of remembrance at the Children’s Memorial, Edgartown Lighthouse on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. The museum is the steward of three lighthouses and caretaker of the Children’s Memorial.

The idea for placing a memorial at the base of the Edgartown lighthouse belongs to Rick Harrington, who envisioned it as a suitable way to remember his son Rickey, who was killed at the age of 16 in a motor vehicle accident. Quickly the concept grew into a way to memorialize the many children who have died.

The museum became enthusiastically involved in the project. The lighthouse was then in poor shape and the reconstruction and transformation of its base from crumbling cement to cobblestones engraved with the names of children who have died was supported by contributions from on and off-Island.

The Children’s Memorial was dedicated in 2001 and the following fall saw the first ceremony of remembrance, a celebration that has become a beloved tradition for families and friends of the children. In the past couple of years, the lighthouse has undergone massive renovation and is now open to the public.

Twenty-nine new stones were added this year, bringing the total memorial cobblestones to 482.

This is a celebration and families and friends are encouraged to come, spend some time, enjoy music and fellowship. Refreshments will be provided by the Harbor View Hotel.

Rain date is Saturday, Sept. 19.

Stones may be purchased for $250 by contacting Betsey Mayhew at the museum at bmayhew@mvmseum.org, or by calling 508-627-4441.