Preserving Grave Markers in Historic Cemeteries

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. The vast richness of expression through form, decoration and materials informs our understanding of the individuals buried in historic cemeteries and their cultural significance.

While cemeteries are often considered to be perpetual, their most prominent feature the grave markers are not. They weather, naturally decay, often are poorly maintained and repaired and, on occasion, are vandalized. Grave markers are usually noteworthy not only for their inscriptions but also for their craftsmanship. Exceptional markers are considered works of art.

This Preservation Brief focuses on a single aspect of historic cemetery preservation providing 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. Illustrated with beautiful, full color images.

Audience: Community historians, History professors and students studying cemetery construction and preservation and the concept of memorialization throughout history, Archaeology and Anthropologists studying methods of burial, memorialization and grave marker construction, Masons and stoneworkers engaged in constructing grave markers (specifically historically-influenced markers), and any member of the general public interested in learning how to preserve historic cemeteries and their value to the history of a community.

Related products:

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 38, Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans\' Relief, Pt. 18-End, Revised as of July 1, 2016 is available here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/869-084-00146-4

The Last Salute: Civil and Military Funerals, 1921-1969 (2014 Reprint) is available here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/008-029-00575-1

Preservation Briefs collection can be found here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/science-technology/construction-architecture/renovation-historic-preservation/preservation-b

Other products produced by the United States Department of Interior, National Park Service (NPS) can be found here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/agency/222