[MassHistPres] Cleaning gravestones

[BMangum411 at aol.com]

Cleaning gravestones, if they are of any historic or cultural value (and 
who's aren't?) should be undertaken by professionals.   There are a fair number of 
conservation firms in Massachusetts and Connecticut which specialize in the 
stabilization, repair and restoration of gravestones and monuments.   I can 
send you a list if you like.   Usually, a town or city has a survey undertaken by 
a stone or architectural conservator (contact the American Institute for 
Conservation or Preservation Mass for referrals) or develops a masterplan for the 
cemetery (written by an historic landscape architect or other qualified 
professional).   The survey results in recommendations for treatment, which are then 
either acted upon by the town, or which serve as the basis of a grant 
request, etc..   Depending on the town or city, an RFP may be written by a stone or 
architectural conservator and the whole project will go out to bid.   If you're 
preservation problems are not too big, it is possible for a volunteer crew to 
aid in the care of the markers, but I would have them supervised by a 
professional at the very least.   Hope this is helpful.
Barbara Mangum
Sculpture and Decorative Arts Conservation Services