Indiana Cemetery Works Corporation - a 501c3 organization founded in 2017. Teach - Protect - Restore
Indiana Cemetery Works Corporation’s purpose is to:
* Educate the public and organizations about proper preservation, care, and maintenance of pioneer and historic cemeteries.
* Educate the public and organizations about the history of our nation’s cemeteries.
* Actively preserve and restore pionee
r and historic cemeteries. We provide education by giving workshops on basic and advanced cemetery preservation techniques in cemeteries as well as utilize social media channels to provide additional resources and information regarding this topic. Our programs include identifying stones, cleaning and repairing techniques and cemetery maintenance. Besides working with the Westfield Washington Historical Society since 2006 on several cemetery workdays, Nicole and Michael have attended several seminars by the Indiana Historical Society and Indiana Department of Natural Resources on the best techniques in working on cemetery restoration. Since 2013 they have increased their frequency in workdays (7) and have had great response from the community for help. Please consider joining them for one of the upcoming workdays. No experience necessary - they will teach you what you need to know. You don't have to stay the whole time and they are thankful for all who participate. Tasks that you can perform/learn:
Basic techniques:
- Cleaning (mostly marble) markers with soft brush and mixture of ammonia and water
- Cleaning heavily stained markers with very light application of special power brushes and lots of ammonia & water
- Learn what you should and shouldn't do to a grave marker/cemetery. Advanced techniques:
- Resetting markers to be upright again/prevent them from falling/leaning/sinking
- Repairing markers that are broken using a special epoxy mix
- Documentation of markers, confirming documented names, dates, texts
- Probing for markers that are up to 6 inches under ground
Make sure to bring clothing you don't mind getting dirty. Bring heavy gloves that can protect your hands from ammonia/water/dirt/etc.Bring sunblock and bug spray. Consider wearing a hat to protect your head and shoulders from strong sun. One canopy will be available to work under. Please bring water and a chair for you to rest in.
