There is also the problem of acid(s) on our hands when we touch and handle
antiquities.
Many of the folks I know who work within the "Historic Triangle" of
Yorktown, Jamestown and Williamsburg are usually careful to put on some sort
of gloves, archival cotton type, before they touch old headstones....or
anything really old, for that matter: furniture, art work, tapestries even
ceramics and metal. I think that hospital style, latex gloves would be
suitable for working with old tombstones but I am definetly not an authority
so it would be best to check with those who know about these things (like
Darlene Richardson).
Deane Mills
York County, VA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richardson, Darlene (NCA)" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2006 10:10 AM
Subject: cemetery
Phebe,
Absolutely do NOT apply flour or any other substance on any of the
headstone. Rice paper placed over the face with a crayon should bring
most faded inscriptions out.
You not disturb the terrain, if at all possible. Any coverings are now
actually acting to preserve the cemetery. I would not recommend
trimming brush, etc., until a long-term preservation plan is developed
with serious plans of being implemented.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, hiking shoes and a hat (ticks).
Be very careful and walk slowly, as most old cemeteries contain numerous
unmarked graves.
You should check to see if the inscriptions were recorded on any WPA
cemetery surveys during the 1930s. You can find that information at
either your local library or the Library of Virginia.
Please feel free to call me, if you want more details.
Darlene Richardson, Historian
National Cemetery Administration (41C4)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
(202) 565-5426
Fax: (202) 565-4211
Website: www.cem.va.gov
"The only thing new in the world is the history you don't know." --
Harry Truman -----Original Message-----
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Phebe
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2006 9:45 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: cemetery
I have finally located an old cemetery and have gotten permission, from
the owner, to walk through it. The cemetery is very old and the owner
tells me that she remembers her grandmother telling her that people came
in the 1930's to look at it. Since then no one has been in there to
look or clean.
My question to the group: what dangers await me in an old cemetery.
What should I look out for (snakes etc.). How best can I protect
myself.
I have been told to take baking flour -- that will help bring the old
carvings out.
Any more tips or advise.
thanks for your help.
Phebe Morgan
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