AR Historic Preservation Program Hosts October Cemetery Workshop

Have you ever been touring or just walking through an old cemetery and noticed many of the headstones are hard to read, the older they are, the worse condition they tend to be in. Arkansas is loaded with historic cemeteries and the Arkansas  Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) will hold a free Cemetery Preservation Workshop at Huntsville Cemetery on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This program will be a hands-on event and is open to the public. The goal is to educate participants in the essential techniques of cemetery preservation, helping to protect local history for future generations.

The workshop, led by Jonathan Appell, founder of Atlas Preservation, will cover the fundamental practices of cleaning, repairing, leveling, and straightening gravestones. Attendees will gain valuable skills through practical, on-site training that can be applied to the long-term preservation of historic cemeteries.

Workshop Agenda – October 5, 2024:

• 9 a.m. - Noon: Introduction and overview of cemetery preservation, including gravestone cleaning, leveling, and basic repairs.
• Noon - 1 p.m.: Lunch provided by AHPP on-site.
• 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Continuation of hands-on preservation sessions.

Location:

Huntsville Cemetery - The intersection of Missouri Street and Cemetery Street in Huntsville, AR.

Registration is required, and spots are limited. Those interested in attending should contact Holly Hope at Holly.Hope@arkansas.gov or call (501) 324-9148.

Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.

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