Grave Marker Cleaning Workshops
Information for Host Cemeteries
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The Reason
Hands-on workshops promote proper grave marker maintenance.
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." - Maya Angelou
Many historians, genealogists, and cemetery enthusiasts are interested in getting their "hands-on" historic grave markers. People like to help, especially when those markers were placed to memorialize their ancestors. It is unfortunate that so many of these well-meaning souls are unaware that they are causing permanent damage to priceless monuments.
There is a lot of out-dated, inaccurate, or misleading information that well-meaning volunteers are exposed to when seeking information on how to clean grave markers. Our priority is always to preserve and protect the grave markers, and a big part of that initiative is providing educational opportunities.
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." - Maya Angelou
Many historians, genealogists, and cemetery enthusiasts are interested in getting their "hands-on" historic grave markers. People like to help, especially when those markers were placed to memorialize their ancestors. It is unfortunate that so many of these well-meaning souls are unaware that they are causing permanent damage to priceless monuments.
There is a lot of out-dated, inaccurate, or misleading information that well-meaning volunteers are exposed to when seeking information on how to clean grave markers. Our priority is always to preserve and protect the grave markers, and a big part of that initiative is providing educational opportunities.
The Method
Instruction and education are the components needed to stop unintentional grave marker destruction.
"Change is the end result of all true learning." - Leo Buscaglia
The goal of our workshops is to educate, not to reprimand. In helping folks who have good intentions understand the reasons behind the preservation standards we follow, we are giving them the tools they need to make sound choices.
Many volunteers who have inadvertently damaged monuments based on poor advice, or assumptions made about what will work and what will not, are often times shocked to learn there is a "right way" to handle grave markers. Once they understand the reason behind the best practices, they can provide proper grave marker maintenance meant to protect the life of the monument for as long as possible.
"Change is the end result of all true learning." - Leo Buscaglia
The goal of our workshops is to educate, not to reprimand. In helping folks who have good intentions understand the reasons behind the preservation standards we follow, we are giving them the tools they need to make sound choices.
Many volunteers who have inadvertently damaged monuments based on poor advice, or assumptions made about what will work and what will not, are often times shocked to learn there is a "right way" to handle grave markers. Once they understand the reason behind the best practices, they can provide proper grave marker maintenance meant to protect the life of the monument for as long as possible.
Qualifications
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Passion for proper grave marker preservation is just one tool we carry. "Education is not a problem. Education is an opportunity." - Lyndon B. Johnson History Walks LLC conducts preservation efforts following the standards set forth by the experts in the field (including the National Center for Preservation Training and Technology, the Association for Gravestone Studies, and the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works - just to name a few). Shannon Lewis has been working in cemetery preservation for more than 10 years. She is certified in basic cemetery preservation and continues her education by attending workshops, reading manuals and case studies, and interacting with other preservation professionals. Peter Drucker once said "Education gives you neither experience nor wisdom". We strive to acquire all three. |
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Funding
How is the event funded?
"I never confuse the cost of something with its value" - Robin Hobb
All expenses associated with the event will be handled by History Walks LLC. History Walks will promote the event and manage customer fees.
Attendee Cost of workshops vary depending upon location, but are generally $20 per attendee with the option to purchase a grave marker cleaning kit which includes: 2 soft bristled brushes, Popsicle sticks, plastic scraper, kneeling pad, small hand-pump water sprayer, and tote bag.
"I never confuse the cost of something with its value" - Robin Hobb
All expenses associated with the event will be handled by History Walks LLC. History Walks will promote the event and manage customer fees.
Attendee Cost of workshops vary depending upon location, but are generally $20 per attendee with the option to purchase a grave marker cleaning kit which includes: 2 soft bristled brushes, Popsicle sticks, plastic scraper, kneeling pad, small hand-pump water sprayer, and tote bag.
Got questions? Email us at info@historywalksnebraska.com or contact us by phone at (816) 616-9162.