On July 27, PCM and the Morristown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted a Gravestone Preservation Workshop led by expert preservationist Jonathan Appell of Atlas Preservation as a stop on his 2023 48 State Tour for Restoring America’s Cemeteries.
Around 75 participants from PCM, several DAR chapters, area churches, graveyards, and historical organizations gathered in the historic burying ground behind the Church on the Green. We learned about proper materials and techniques for cleaning gravestones and had the opportunity for some hands-on practice. Mr. Appell also demonstrated gravestone repairs: raising and leveling leaning stones and rejoining a fractured stone tablet. You can see examples of cleaned stones in the photographs along with a video of the raising and leveling of a large stone tablet.
The workshop was organized by Rich Albright and Sherry and Tom Guthrie (members of PCM), along with Bobbi Bailey of the Morristown chapter of the DAR. Lowes graciously donated material and supplies. David Darcy managed participants’ hands-on cleaning and materials.
The work to clean gravestones in the burying ground is well underway. Visit the graveyard to see the work of members Susan and John Moschberger, who have already cleaned nearly 100 stones, removing dirt, lichen, and other growth to help preserve the stones and make them more readable. Tom Guthrie has removed vines and overhanging tree branches. If you are interested in helping in this effort please contact Sherry Guthrie or Rich Albright.
Thank you to Bruce Frazier and Bobbi Bailey for the video and photos below!
