Preservation Brief 48: Preserving Grave Markers in Historic Cemeteries
Striegel MF, Gale F, Church J, Dietrich-Smith D. 2016. Preservation Brief 48: Preserving Grave Markers in Historic Cemeteries. Cultural Landscape Guidance Documents. National Park Service. Washington, D.C.
Cemeteries found across the country are not only places of burial, but they also provide a vivid record of community history. Whether large or small, well maintained or neglected, historic cemeteries are an important part of our cultural landscape. Grave markers in historic cemeteries can be noteworthy for both their inscriptions and their craftsmanship. While cemeteries are often considered to be perpetual, the grave markers are not. They weather, naturally decay, are often poorly maintained and repaired, and, on occasion, are vandalized. This Preservation Brief focuses on a single aspect of historic cemetery preservation to provide guidance for owners, property managers, administrators, in-house maintenance staff , volunteers, and others who are responsible for or are interested in preserving and protecting grave markers. Besides describing grave marker materials and the risk factors that contribute to their decay, the Brief provides guidance for assessing their conditions and discusses maintenance programs and various preservation treatments. Also identified are a number of excellent references that address materials used in all grave markers.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Striegel, Mary; Gale, Frances; Church, Jason; Dietrich-Smith, Debbie
- Date of Issue
- 2016-09
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- CRPS
- Keywords
- "inherent vice", burial, Cemetery, chemical cleaning, condition assessment, CRSS, headstone, maintenance, mausoleum, preservation, resetting, Technical Preservation Services, weathering