An Overview of Cemetery Restoration
Cemetery Restoration Links
A quick search of the Internet reveals a wealth of information on this topic. Try searching for "gravestone restoration" or "cemetery restoration" using Google. The following are some excellent links to sites related to gravestone restoration:
Restoration Tools:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~inpcrp/repairtoolbox.html
Information on stone repair and the tools
involved. This site is
provided as part of the Indiana Pioneer Cemeteries Restoration Project (INPCRP).
The Saving Graves site map page:
http://www.savinggraves.com/about/sitemap.htm
This is an excellent internet portal dedicated to cemetery restoration. The Site Map page provides a master index
for the site.
The Preservation page at the Association for
Gravestone Studies web site:
http://www.gravestonestudies.org/preservation.htm
Scroll down this page to review the article entitled: How
To Cast a New Base for a Stone.
The Frequently Asked Questions page at the Association for
Gravestone Studies web site:
http://www.gravestonestudies.org/faq.htm
This covers gravestone rubbing dos and don'ts, and gravestone cleaning tools and
materials.
Information on repairing Marble Gravestones:
http://www.oregoncemeteries.org/repair_marble.htm
A Cemetery Restoration Project:
http://rutnut.com/nwocta/preservation/affected/vieux/vieuxrestoration.html
More Restoration Info:
http://www.state.sc.us/scdah/cemmaintenance.htm
http://www.historictexas.net/cemeteries/1a/restoration.htm
http://www.potifos.com/cemeteries.htmlhttp://www.rootsweb.com/~inpcrp/
Pictures Showing use of a Tripod Hoist:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~intcpcrg/2002-Routh/RouthMay4.html
Restoration Process - One Step at a Time:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~inpcrp/pcrpstepbystep.html
This is a wonderful overview of the many facets of cemetery restoration
provided as part of the Indiana Pioneer Cemeteries Restoration Project (INPCRP).
Equipment & Material Supply:
http://www.granitecitytoolvt.com/home.html
http://www.milessupply.com/
The National Cemetery Administration page regarding
Veterans Markers:
http://www.cem.va.gov/hm.htm
Some notes on resetting granite stones.
A Hickey type marker stone should sit upon a concrete base created by digging a hole that is the same horizontal dimensions as the stone. The hole should be at least 18" deep. The hole should then be filled with concrete to about 1.5" below ground and the surface made level. After the concrete is set hard, the marker stone may be set in place.
A larger stone requires a deeper base to prevent tipping over time. For example a stone that rises 7' should be on a foundation that is 4' deep. A stone rising 3' should be on a foundation at least 2 to 2.5' deep.
Stones reset on a stone pedestal are usually set with adhesive. The old adhesive should be removed and new adhesive applied. Spacers are usually set at the corners between the stones so the adhesive is not squeezed out by the weight of the stone before it sets. This should be down when temperatures are within the range specified for the adhesive.
Christ Church has maintained its cemetery over the years primarily by keeping the grounds mowed and cleared. This is no small task. Unfortunately, much needs to be done to remedy the damage and deterioration of many gravestones. Approximately 100 gravestones were vandalized on Thursday night, October 17, 1991. A further blow to the cemetery came on Labor Day, 1998, when numerous trees were uprooted by very high winds. The downed trees were cleared with a lot of volunteer effort. But many stones remain in need of resetting or restoration.
Restoring the many damaged gravestones is an enormous and daunting task. It is an undertaking that requires an understanding of proper preservation methods.
Restoring a few gravestones at a time is an undertaking of manageable scope. One that can be accomplished by anyone willing to follow some basic guidelines and work with their hands.
Hopefully, we can assemble the information, tools and expertise needed to provide resource and guidance to those able to participate in this effort.