Cemetery Solutions

Historic cemeteries tell the stories of our communities, but preserving them requires knowledge, patience, and proper techniques.

This three-day Level 1 Cemetery Preservation Workshop is designed to teach participants the fundamentals of cemetery preservation using a "First Do No Harm" approach. Through classroom instruction and hands-on field exercises, attendees will learn how to properly assess, document, and care for historic cemetery monuments while avoiding common mistakes that can cause permanent damage.

Whether you are a cemetery volunteer, historian, genealogist, church cemetery caretaker, board member, or simply someone who wants to help preserve local history, this workshop will provide a strong foundation in responsible cemetery preservation.

Space is limited.

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This workshop is ideal for:

• Cemetery volunteers
• Historical societies
• Genealogists
• Church cemetery committees
• Cemetery boards and trustees
• Local preservation organizations
• Community volunteers
• Anyone interested in learning proper cemetery preservation techniques

No previous preservation experience is required.

Participants will receive instruction in:

• Cemetery preservation ethics
• Preservation philosophy and best practices
• Safety awareness and risk management
• Cemetery documentation techniques
• Monument assessment and evaluation
• Identifying monument materials
• Understanding weathering and deterioration
• Cleaning principles and procedures
• Proper cleaning tools and materials
• Cemetery project planning
• Volunteer project considerations
• Understanding when professional intervention is required
• Developing long-term preservation goals

This workshop focuses exclusively on Level 1 preservation techniques.

Level 1 training provides the knowledge and skills needed to safely document, assess, and clean cemetery monuments using accepted preservation practices.

More advanced procedures such as monument repair, resetting, lifting, stabilization, and conservation work are considered Level 2 techniques and require additional training, specialized equipment, and advanced safety procedures.

This workshop is designed to help participants build a strong foundation before advancing to higher levels of preservation training.

• Learn from four experienced preservation professionals.
• Three full days of classroom and field instruction.
• Hands-on learning in a historic cemetery setting.
• Curriculum adapted from preservation training taught through the University of Mary Washington.
• Designed specifically for cemetery volunteers, boards, and preservation advocates.
• Small-group environment that encourages questions and discussion.

Participants will spend the day learning preservation ethics, monument identification, documentation methods, assessment techniques, cleaning principles, safety procedures, and project planning fundamentals.

The second day builds upon Friday's instruction with additional classroom education, demonstrations, tool discussions, preservation case studies, and preparation for field exercises.

Participants will apply what they have learned during supervised field exercises at a historic cemetery in Fayette County, Indiana.

Classroom instruction will take place in Connersville, Indiana.

This workshop is presented by Cemetery Solutions and taught by a team of cemetery preservation professionals with experience in historic cemetery care, monument assessment, preservation education, and hands-on conservation work.

The curriculum is a modified Level 1 program derived from preservation training taught at the University level and adapted for cemetery volunteers, historical societies, cemetery boards, and community preservation advocates.

Mosko Monument Services / Cemetery Solutions

Robert brings decades of extensive experience in cemetery preservation, monument assessment, conservation practices, and preservation education.

Michelangelo Historic Headstone Preservation and Education / Cemetery Solutions

Mike brings professional experience in historic headstone preservation, cemetery education, and hands-on preservation work.

The Necro Tourist / A1 Cemetery Services / Cemetery Solutions

Ken is a cemetery educator, preservation advocate, and sexton. Through The Necro Tourist, he has visited nearly 1,400 cemeteries and helped educate the public about cemetery history, preservation, and respectful stewardship.

Everything needed to attend the workshop.

Includes:

• Three full days of instruction
• Classroom education
• Field exercises
• Digital workshop resources
• Certificate of Completion

Our recommended option.

Includes everything in Founders Rate Registration, plus:

• Printed workshop handbook
• Printed reference materials
• Meals and refreshments

The ultimate workshop experience.

Includes everything in the Recommended Package, plus:

• Cemetery preservation tool kit
• Take-home tools for future projects

Additional registration packages are available for participants who wish to customize their workshop experience.

• Registration + Printed Materials – $549
• Registration + Meals – $549
• Registration + Tool Kit – $599