Overview:

This 2-day workshop will provide basic information and skills for people who are interested in preserving historic gravestones and cemetery monuments. Each day will have an entirely different focus, and the content will not repeat. Participants are welcome to attend either or both days. The event is raising funds for the Christopher P Robinson International Preservation Trades Exchange Scholarship which will support preservationists who want to travel overseas to expand their skills and knowledge. 

The instructors donating their services to this effort-

Jason Church: NCPTT

Moss Rudley: National Park Service, Historic Preservation Training Center

Jonathan Appell: Atlas Preservation Inc.

Treatments that will be conducted:

The exact scope of the workshop is partially site specific, varying with the type of stones, and needs of the cemetery where the workshop is conducted.

* Gravestone cleaning will be discussed, demonstrated and performed. If they are very fragile they can be harmed if cleaned aggressively. Safe cleaning techniques will be explained with options outlined for best product selection.

* Re-setting of a tablet-stone, which is badly leaning, and or in a sunken condition.

* We will disassemble and then re-construct a multi-piece monument. This will involve discussion on some material options. The process includes re-leveling the base stone, removal of all joining material, applying boding materials, lowering upper element into base stone safely, and properly re-grading around the stone.

* The attendees will also learn how to join broken gravestone fragments together employing stone epoxy, clamping and bracing techniques and options.

* We will discuss the pros and cons of drilling and employing blind pinning.

* An overhead, lifting tripod will be employed. We will discuss slings and rigging options, and then rig and lift a large monument of some type, which is in need or re-setting due to being unstable for some reason, or one that is already fallen.

* We will also discuss and demonstrate the materials required, and the process involved in replacing eroded or lost stone with the use of a stone infill material. This includes preparation, application, curing of mortars, color matching, etc.

* The process and potential need for consolidation of weak and decayed gravestones will be explained. The problems associated with sealing historic gravestones will be covered.

Location: Clarks Cemetery and First Parish Burial Grounds (National Historic Landmark), Gloucester, MA

Cost : $85 for 1 day or $150 for both days

Contact Info: Moss Rudley: mossrudley@yahoo.com phone: 304-261- 1748 or Jon Appell: jwappell@gmail.com phone- 860-558- 2785