Morris History Enthusiasts Invited to Gravestone Restoration Seminar
Published on August 09, 2020
National Gravestone Expert Will Lead Free Seminar on August 27
Jonathan Appell, a renowned gravestone preservation expert, will lead a day-long workshop on gravestone restoration at Orchard Street Cemetery in Dover on Thursday, Aug. 27.
A sample of Jonathan Appell's handiwork: A gravestone that has been restored on the left, and one awaiting attention on the right.
Gravestone cleaning techniques, resetting of toppled stones and repair of broken stones are among the topics on the agenda. Participants will also receive hands-on training to gain experience.
This seminar will be particularly interesting for those interested in genealogy, history, gravestone studies, or historic preservation.
Recognizing the historic value in cemeteries and gravestones, Morris County Freeholders have approved Morris County Historic Preservation Trust grants to Whippany Burying Yard, which has a gravestone from 1715, and Hancock Cemetery in Florham Park, which dates to 1781, among others.
The restoration event is a free for all participants.
Gravestone in Madison's Hilltop Cemetery on Main Street.
Appell, of Atlas Preservation, was involved in the restoration of the Knight's Tomb at Jamestown, Virginia, thought to be the oldest gravestone in the country. He has more than 20 years of experience restoring historic gravestones of all types all over the U.S.
He is currently hosting his 48-State Tour, visiting a historic cemetery in each of the lower 48 states.
Orchard Street Gatehouse Historical Association and the Dover Cemetery Association are hosting the seminar. To register, contact Paul Wood at 973.727.3430 or orchardstreetgatehouse@gmail.com. The event begins at 9 a.m. and runs through 3:30 p.m.
The Orchard Street Cemetery is located at the corner of Chestnut and Orchard Streets in Dover.
As this event is an outdoor event, social distancing will be easily observed. Participants are asked to bring a face mask and a bagged lunch. Beverages will be provided.