Cemetery Preservation

Cemetery Preservation Workshop - May 2020

Hosted by Preservation Maryland

On May 26 2020, 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.

Video

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

Permission

Cleaning solution

Permission

It is IMPERATIVE to get permission from the cemetery and/or property owner before performing any cleaning.

Tools

Cleaning solution

Permission

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.

Cleaning solution

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.

Somerset County Historical Trust

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.