Kindred Roots Genealogical Society
Mrs. Kelly Miller • 502 West Rice • Landis • North Carolina • About Us
Home • Contact Us • Staff • Lookup Requests • Submit Data • Search
Resetting Tilted Gravestones
Michael Trinkley, Ph.D., Director, Chicora Foundation, Inc., PO Box 8664, Columbia, SC 29202, 803-787-6910, www.chicora.org
Information & images relating to tombstone/monument repair & maintenance Copyright 2003, Chicora Foundation, Inc.
This page was last updated 06 Jun 2010
We extend our gratitude for all of Chicora's efforts to educate researchers for a positive tombstones future!
General Guidelines For Cemetery Work by Chicora Foundation
We extend our gratitude for all of Chicora's efforts to educate researchers for a positive tombstones future!
Information and images relating to tombstone/monument repair & maintenance Copyright 2003, Chicora Foundation, Inc.
Michael Trinkley, Ph.D., Director, Chicora Foundation, Inc., PO Box 8664, Columbia, SC 29202, 803-787-6910, www.chicora.org
1. Cemeteries are sacred spaces. They must be
treated with respect. This means that you must avoid yelling or loud
talk. You should avoid walking on graves whenever and wherever possible.
The area should be kept clean at all times. You must never leave debris,
such as soil spoil, excess sand or gravel, or any other materials, in
the cemetery C
everything should be removed and the grave area restored to its original
appearance. In particular, avoid working in areas where families are
visiting graves C
give them respect and privacy.
2. You must absolutely never sit, lean, or rest on
stones. Stones are often far more fragile than they at first appear. In
fact, assume that all stones are fragile and contain internal damage.
3. In cemetery conservation work C and in all conservation efforts C it is absolutely critical that the treatment do no harm to the stone. If at any time it appears the stone is unstable, or the situation with the stone is worsening C STOP and get assistance. Avoid the temptation to go on, hoping that everything will be all right.
4. Although stone is heavy and gives the appearance of permanence, you must be very careful to avoid damage. Steel tools, such as shovels, can severely mar stone. And once damaged, there is no way to remove C or hide C the damage. It is left as mute testimony of your carelessness. Don't let it happen.
5. In general, never use an iron tool if a plastic one will work. Never use plastic if wood will work.
6. Always inspect the stone before beginning any
treatment C
even the simplest. Although the proposed treatments were appropriate
when originally prescribed, the stone may have suffered additional
damage since that time. Look for cracks or areas where the stone is
spalling. Gently tap the stone to see if it rings solid, or hollow.
7. Always plan ahead and don't handle the stone any
more than absolutely necessary. Don't begin a project and get to an
unanticipated crisis because you didn't plan ahead. For example, when
removing stones, know ahead of time where you are going to lay them and
have some supports ready to receive the stone.
8. Do not use any permanent marker on stone C as the name implies, it is permanent. Even chalk is very difficult to remove. If a stone must be marked, use masking tape, but ensure that it is placed on sound stone (otherwise even masking tape may cause severely weakened stone to spall). Do not leave the tape on the stone more than a few hours.
9. When handling large stones, it is critical that you work carefully, slowly, and deliberately. Discuss with you partner(s) exactly what the order of operations will be, before you begin. Everyone must take responsibility for all of those working on the stone C don't let a stone come to rest until you have verified that everyone is clear, for example. Remember that stone weighs about 170 pounds per cubic foot. Incorrect lifting can cause back injuries. Although reasonably sized stones can be handled by two to four individuals, larger stones will require ropes, slings, and 2x4s (never steel bars) working as bars and levers. It may also be necessary to use wood wedges to loosen parts of a monument. Always be careful of edges when using levers C they are liable to be damaged or break by force of the lever concentrated in a small area.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Examples of Tombstone Repairs By Chicora Foundation. | |||
 |
|
 |
 |
| Crayon Damage |
Examples of Bad Repairs |
||
•
Cleaning Graves •
Stone Conservation •
Cemetery Work Guidelines •
Resetting Tilted Stones
•
• Top of Page • Who • What • Where • Home •
This entire website was created & is owned, maintained, operated by Kelly Oleandi Miller with help from MANY wonderful volunteers.
Do something wonderful, people may imitate it ~ Albert Schweitzer