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Gravestone Preservation Workshop


  • 1799 (LeFevre) House 54 Huguenot St New Paltz, NY, 12561 United States (map)

Historic Huguenot will host a two-day Gravestone Preservation Workshop in its historic 17th century burial ground led by monuments conservator, preservationist, and teacher Jonathan Appell, founder of the New England Cemetery Service.

The goal of this hands-on training workshop is to educate attendees on the various challenges and techniques of gravestone, monument, and historic stone preservation via an interactive working experience. The workshop will begin on Day 1 with a tour through the burial ground at Historic Huguenot Street, during which a selection of gravestones and monuments will be chosen for repair. All tools and materials will be provided.

The Gravestone Preservation Workshop will cover a variety of conservation topics, including basic geology relating to gravestones, monuments, and historic masonry; typical gravestone and monument styles and common problems associated with them; cleaning marble, limestone, brownstone, granite, and all historic masonry; raising, re-leveling, and re-setting gravestones; repairing fallen and fractured gravestones; and the use of stone epoxies and mortars.

Johnathan Appell of West Hartford, CT, has been working in gravestone and monument preservation for over 20 years. He regularly offers lectures, seminars, and training workshops throughout North America. Information on Appell and his services can be found at gravestonepreservation.info and gravestoneconservation.com.

Registration is required. Attendees may register for either one or both days of the workshop, though it is recommended to attend both. One day registration $100; both days registration $180. Register at http://squ.re/1NlFGTP.

There will be one hour allotted for lunch each day at noon; lunch is not provided. Each attendee will receive a folder of printed materials. All those in attendance are welcome to help perform the work or just observe, as they choose. Attendees are welcome to photograph or video the workshop as desired. All tools and materials are provided. Please dress for working outdoors.

Earlier Event: August 29
Tap Into History
Later Event: September 19
Taste of New Paltz