Gravestone Maintenance Training Program

Have you ever visited a cemetery searching for a specific gravesite, only to realize that the stones were nearly illegible due to lichen growth or grime?  The Benzie Area Historical Society is offering a series of programs to train volunteers in the correct methods of cleaning cemetery gravestones.  The training session lasts approximately one hour and is usually led by Jane Purkis, BAHS Curator.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn the proper methods for caring for your loved one’s gravestone or for the veterans’ gravestones in your local cemetery.

Each participant will need to bring a “cleaning kit” consisting of a bucket, a gallon or two of water, a stiff natural brush, a stiff sponge, an old toothbrush, a trowel, a trash bag, and a plastic or wood “scraper.”  No metal objects may be used to clean the stones.

The program is offered:

Sunday, June 26, 2:00  p.m., Gilmore Township Cemetery, 1546 Grace Road, Elberta.  This session will be led by BAHS Executive Director Barb Mort along with Jan Buck.

Sunday, July 17, 2:00 p.m., Almira West Township Cemetery, Spear Rd (just off Almira Rd), Lake Ann.

Sunday, August 14, 2:00 p.m., Homestead Township Cemetery, 1421 S Pioneer Rd, Beulah.

Sunday, September 25, 2:00 p.m., Colfax Township Cemetery, at the corner of Nessen and Cemetery Rds. The access is from County Road 700, Karlin Road, east of Thomposnville.

Call the Benzie Area Historical Society for more information.  (231) 882-5539