Cemetery Preservation Pre-Conference Workshop

This workshop is hosted by the Preservation Trades Network as a pre-conference workshop to its annual International Preservation Trades Workshop. It will be led by Jon Appell of Atlas Preservation and Moss Rudley of the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center, and take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery in downtown Frederick. Read more about Mount Olivet Cemetery here: https://www.mountolivetcemeteryinc.com/ These workshops are supported by a generous grant from the Maryland Historical Trust and Preservation Maryland. The grant has subsidized tuition costs to make attendance more accessible to more people.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This workshop will teach introductory preservation techniques to care for cemetery monuments and gravestones. Participants will learn to:

• Identify common gravemarker materials
• Assess damage and failure on gravemarkers and create a repair plan
• Practice non-invasive cleaning techniques
• Reset gravemarkers
• Repair gravemarkers with epoxies, dowels, and mortars

INSTRUCTORS

Jonathon Appell
Owner/Operator
Atlas Preservation

Since Jonathan was a child he always had a high mechanical aptitude to build and repair. From bicycles to cars, violin making, cabinets, building construction trades, and eventually monument installation in 1986. Throughout the 1990’s Jon ran a cemetery contracting company that performed excavation, monument installation, foundations, & restoration.

Working in and around some of the oldest graveyards in America Jon became interested in helping preserve the historic stones. Since the late 90’s he sought out specialized knowledge and training to enhance his ability to conserve the older and more fragile gravestones. Currently Jon performs specialized projects and also conducts workshops nationally in collaboration with towns, states, historical societies, and cemeteries.

Moss Rudley
Superintendent
National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center

Moss Rudely is a native of Greenbrier County, West Virginia, where he was raised on a working cattle farm filled with historic vernacular structures. He was first exposed to the trades and the field of historic preservation through the care of hand-hewn log structures of the Scotts, Irish, and German. A graduate of Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, he’s been with the National Parks Service’s Historic Trades Training Center since 2000. A historic mason by training, after over 17 years at the center, he was promoted to superintendent in 2017.

SCHEDULE

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

8:45 am | Check-in at Key Chapel
9:00 am – 10:00 am | Introduction to Cemeteries, Materials, and Preservation
10:00 am – 11:00 am | Cemetery Tour, Identify and Assess Repairs
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Cleaning Techniques and Practice
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | Lunch
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm | Restoration, Repair, and Resetting Techniques
2:00 – 4:00 pm | Practicum of Techniques

WHAT TO EXPECT

Besides a good time, prepare to be active and learn. Participants will be sitting, standing, crouching, and using their hands, in addition to working outside in the weather. Participants should:

• Wear comfortable works clothes and close-toed shoes
• Bring a jacket and/or a rain jacket in case of rain and temperature changes
• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or a sun hat
• Water bottle

We will provide:

• Personal Protective Equipment
• Tools and Materials
• Additional sunscreen
• Bug Spray 
• Coffee, water, and other beverages
• Lunch and snacks 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Cost per participant is $100. There is a limit of 15 participants. We will intake a waiting list. By registering to the event, you agree to our event policies and procedures–please read them here. Registrants can cancel their registration up to 30 days before the workshop for a full refund minus any associated taxes and fees. Cancellations within 30 days of the event will not be refunded, with exceptions in PTN’s Health and Safety Policy.