Cemetery Preservation

Cemeteries are among the most valuable of historic resources. They can reveal information about historic events, religions, lifestyles, and genealogy - but unfortunately do not necessarily remain permanent reminders of our heritage.

If not recorded and cared for, these reminders of early settlements could be lost forever. Find out what you can do to help. 


Cemetery Preservation Workshop at Mt. Zion Church
May 26 2002

Hosted by Preservation Maryland

Preservation Maryland held a free workshop at the Mt. Zion Church cemetery in Venton, MD (located on the northwest outskirts of Princess Anne). 

The Rural Maryland Council provided Preservation Maryland with a generous grant to host cemetery preservation workshops in all 18 rural counties in Maryland — this one covering Somerset County. The workshop was led by Benjamin Curran, Preservation Maryland's Historic Trades Curriculum Developer and was attended by about nineteen participants.

Watch the video below for a demonstration on how to properly clean a grave marker - as taught by our Preservation Maryland instructor - using specific supplies and simple techniques.

Some important things to know:

  • We recommend FIRST REVIEWING information and videos on the Preservation Maryland website to ensure you understand and utilize approved techniques before proceeding to clean any cemetery monuments.
  • It is IMPERATIVE to get permission from the cemetery and/or property owner. 
  • NEVER use any metal tools when cleaning grave markers as they may damage the stone. Only use scrapers and brushes made of plastic or nylon.
  • NEVER use any type of chlorine bleach cleaners or abrasive cleansers. Only use professionally approved and tested cleaners. The one used in this workshop is D/2 Biological Solution. 

For more detailed information and future workshops, please visit the Preservation Maryland website.


Our hard-working Chairman Randy George at it ... again ...

Somerset County Historical Trust, Inc.
 PO Box 863 |Princess Anne |MD 21853
schtrust.org |info@schtrust.org

Somerset County Historical Trust, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
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