Preserving War of 1812 Cemeteries
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20,000 Americans lost their lives in service to their country during the War of 1812. These brave souls are buried in War of 1812 cemeteries from Ohio to Alabama and east to Maryland. The more prominent cemeteries are preserved by local, state, and the federal governments. Smaller private and out-of-the way plots sometimes languish wihtout care. The National Park Service is developing guidelines and outreach for all groups seeking guidance and support in preserving the resting places of America's fallen.
The Park Service's National Center for Technology and Training guidelines include cemetery preservationists creating a field survey sheet for the documentation of each grave site. If possible store information in a computer database. Inspect individual tombs on a regular basis for structural defects. Assess landscape elements including the trees, shrubs, and plants, but the pathways, roads, benches and lighting of the cemetery. Think longterm about the landscape. Will trees cause damage in the future? Conservation of stone monuments, sculpture and ironwork is usually the last effort that should be undertaken. Cleaning stones should be done with the gentlest means possible. Learn more about... |
