[MassHistPres] advice re cleaning gravestones

[Brandon Wilson]

Here in Somerville we just finished a significant 2 year CPA project that restored, and repaired many of the grave markers and a Civil War Monument in our historic Milk Row Cemetery (1804) , and we are very pleased with the work done by the consultant who has extensive knowledge and experience with such work.  You might want to contact the firm’s principal, Barbara Mangum, directly for advice and consultation www.sdaconservation.com<http://www.sdaconservation.com>

cheers, Brandon

J. Brandon Wilson
Executive Director

Somerville Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143

(617)625-6600, x. 2532
bwilson at somervillema.gov<mailto:bwilson at somervillema.gov>
www.somervillema.gov/departments/historic-preservation-commission<http://www.somervillema.gov/departments/historic-preservation-commission>

From: MassHistPres [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Chris Clawson
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 2:33 PM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] cleaning gravestones

This interests me. It seems the most serious issue is with the marble monuments. Marble is easily damaged by acids and other environmental factors. Slate's big problem seems to be from the penetration and freezing of water, which tends to split the stone apart. Another big problem for marble and slate is the idiots with weed whackers and mowers which deface the stones through carelessness. Granite seems to be impervious to anything and needs little maintenance.

Aside from "D2", a friend of mine uses a product named "Wet and Forget". I guess both soak into marble and reverse the black stain and help maintain PH. Marble needs to breathe and remain porous. I, for one, am interested in hearing more on the topic.

Chris Clawson
Museum of Our Industrial Heritage
http://industrialhistory.org

On 2/12/2019 2:04 PM, Barbara Search wrote:
It has been suggested to the Sturbridge Hstorical Commission to use D2 to clean gravestones in the Old Burial Ground. Does anyone have experience with this biological chemical?

Barbara A.Search
Chair, Sturbridge Historical Commission
508-347-6488



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