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Cemetery Preservation Workshop Report
<br />Amy Herdman
<br />■ This workshop was unbelievably well run and the presenters are obviously very
<br />professional, knowledgeable and passionate about their work. That makes all of the
<br />difference.
<br />■ Other attendees included city planners, cemetery sextons, preservation planners,
<br />volunteers, military folks, cultural assets planners, and HPC members.
<br />■ The presenters stressed that cemeteries are sacred sites, and MUST be treated as such.
<br />Care, maintenance, conservation and all work must keep that in mind. They are not dog
<br />parks, walking trails, or cut thrus and must be respected.
<br />■ I came home with a ton of information and resources. Most significantly, we reviewed how
<br />to prepare the maintenance, conservation, operating, and emergency plans for our
<br />cemeteries. I'm fairly certain that no such plans exist right now.
<br />■ A good portion of the workshops were fairly scientific in that we learned about different
<br />materials and how they weather, how they respond to different treatments, and the specific
<br />challenges that each might present when conserving them.
<br />■ The workshop also included a session on iconography, symbolism etc. so that we might
<br />better interpret what we find on individual stones.
<br />■ Policy matters were discussed such as whether or not to allow rubbings, if school tours will
<br />have access to the grounds, how maintenance issues will be inspected and improved, etc.
<br />■ Extensive information was shared on stone type, typical characteristics, how they weather,
<br />how to conserve them, etc.
<br />■ Other cemetery features were discussed as well including caretaker's buildings, fences,
<br />mausoleums, gates, fountains, comfort stations, etc.
<br />■ We got hands on experience with different chemical compounds and treatments that we
<br />might ultimately be using in any conservation work.
<br />■ Presenters emphasized best practices in all manner of work.
<br />■ Appropriate signage was presented.
<br />■ Mitigating safety risks were discussed- both for workers and visitors.
<br />■ Very useful information about landscaping, tree choices, bushes and shrubs were
<br />discussed. We learned what plants are invasive, etc so that maintenance plans could be
<br />tailored accordingly.
<br />■ Information and catalogs were distributed regarding conservation materials, sources, and
<br />additional information to share with sextons, boards, arborists, etc.
<br />■ We got a very specific overview of types of cemeteries, types of monuments and building
<br />materials to assist in survey efforts.
<br />Attendees shared their specific challenges at their cemeteries so that we could discuss
<br />and brainstorm.
<br />■ We visited two cemeteries to examine stones and previous conservation efforts- very
<br />informative!
<br />■ Possibly most importantly, the presenters, Chicora Foundation, are available for site visits,
<br />surveys, etc. Although based in South Carolina, they have worked all over the United
<br />States and are familiar with all climates, weather patterns, planting zones, and cemetery
<br />trends and presentations.
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