48StateTour! Cemetery Restoration Event at Fairview Cemetery

Learn how grave markers are cleaned and restored at at Fairview Cemetery!

Saturday July 27th, 2024
9am-3pm

Fairview Cemetery
6373 North Osgood Ave.
Stillwater, MN 55082

Late Morning (10am-12pm): Gravestone Cleaning

Safe & effective techniques for cleaning gravestones. A demonstration is follow by a hands-on session where you can pick a stone to clean!

Lunch Break (around noon)

Afternoon (12-3pm): Monument Repair Work

Common gravestone & monument repairs will be discussed and demonstrated. Attendees are encouraged to participate! Types of repair may include joining a fractured tablet, resetting a multi-piece monument, raising and re-leveling a leaning monument & more.

 Participate in gravestone cleaning and learn the most common safe & effective repair techniques!
 A discussion on historic preservation will begin the day with a short walk and talk tour, visually surveying some of the most historic gravestones and monuments in need of repair.
 Safe & effective removal of biological activity w/ approved stone cleaners & graffiti removal + prevention. HANDS ON! Adopt a stone and perform the cleaning process yourself.
 The most common repair techniques will be discussed and performed including resetting a badly leaning or sunken tablet stone and joining broken gravestone fragments using epoxy, clamps, and bracing techniques.
 *If time allows* we will employ an overhead, lifting tripod and demonstrate how to rig and lift monuments safely.
 *If time allows* we will review materials required and the process involved in replacing eroded or lost stone with the use of a stone infill material, including preparation, application and curing of mortars.

How to Prepare:

We recommend bringing water, snacks and any other essentials you feel that you may need. For example, a chair for breaks, hat, sunscreen, etc. We recommend wearing closed toe shoes and appropriate clothing if planning to participate.

Fairview Cemetery is a large cemetery and may be difficult to navigate for individuals with mobility challenges. The hosts will not be providing transportation to the cemetery or throughout the cemetery during the event. Please plan according to your needs. 

Questions?