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CEMETERY RESTORATION GUIDANCE <br />his section offers some basic preservation and restora- <br />tion procedures for cemetery landscape features, grave <br />markers, and monuments. Though they require hours of <br />long hard work, restoration projects reflect our respect <br />both for our ancestors and their culture and for our <br />history. Keep these key guidelines in mind: <br />• Design all aspects of the scope of work to retain and <br />preserve the historic character of the cemetery. <br />• Avoid removing historic materials or altering features and <br />spaces that characterize the cemetery. <br />• Respect and preserve distinctive features of the cemetery. <br />• Repair rather than replace damaged historic features. <br />• Use the gentlest procedure possible to clean features. <br />Never use abrasive cleaners, sandblasters, or chemical <br />cleaners on cemetery markers, fences, or other features. <br />• Assume unmarked graves exist and avoid disturbing either <br />the ground or someone's remains. <br />An experienced professional should conduct the gravestone <br />conservation. Inappropriate work can speed the deterioration of <br />gravestones and cause terrible damage. Volunteers should not attempt <br />repair projects. <br />Landscape Features <br />It is important to preserve major landscape features like terraces, <br />water, boundary walls, and walkways, and to correct erosion. Qualified <br />professionals—a civil engineer or a landscape architect—should <br />oversee repairs. If brick or stone walls need repointing, a mortar that <br />duplicates the historic mortar in color, texture, and strength should <br />be used because repaired joints should match the historic joints in <br />appearance. In most cases, a mortar with a high portland cement <br />content will damage historic bricks or stones. <br />30 <br />