FREE GRAVESTONE CLEANING & REPAIR DEMONSTRATION
Exciting news!
Kathleen Maca’s application for Galveston’s Broadway Cemetery District to participate in Atlas Preservation’s 48 State Tour has been accepted!
This tour will include a free gravestone cleaning and repair demonstration by Atlas Preservation, which is open to the public.
This is knowledge you can take for use in your own family cemeteries, wherever they may be!
You may choose whether to observe or participate, as supplies allow.
Broadway Cemetery District
Broadway between 42nd and 40th Streets, Galveston
Tuesday, June 18th, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
What to bring:
Yourself and a willingness to learn! Please wear closed toe fotweaar and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. A hat and sunscreen are recommended.
IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN SUPPLIES, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO BRING THEM, AS SUPPLIES ARE QUITE LIMITED: WATER BUCKETS, SOFT BRISTLE BRUSHES, D2
**This is also a great opportunity to bring a trash bag and help pick up litter in the district – something younger attendees can do as well!
We recommend bringing some essentials to make the day comfortable: chair, cooler, water, snacks, etc.
There will be a brief pause during the day for lunch! Lunch is not provided.
Cleaning Demonstrations will include:
-Safe and effective removal of biological activity with approved stone cleaners is discussed, demonstrated, and performed. Gravestones can be fragile and easily damaged when cleaned with the wrong chemicals, aggressively brushed, and/or pressure washed. Safe cleaning techniques are explained with options outlined for product selection.
-Graffiti removal and graffiti prevention discussion (if time allows)
-Overview for rust and lime / calcium removal from irrigation staining (if time allows)
Repair Work:
Some of the most common repairs will be discussed and demonstrated. Participants are encouraged to join in & help!
-Join a fractured tablet
-Raise and/or level a badly leaning, sunken or fallen tablet stone
-Reset and join elements of a multiple piece monument
-Problems associated with Portland cement
-Historic pointing mortars, formulations, applications, curing
The city of Galveston/ Parks Department is generously supplying a water truck for supply to clean the markers, and a port-o-let for attendees (it will be the only available restroom).
Cost: Free
Note: No registration is required.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Additional information:
The Broadway Cemetery District is a historic cemetery in Galveston, Texas, located in the heart of the East End Historic District. It’s a significant cultural and historical site, with gravestones dating back to the 19th century.
Atlas Preservation, a monument building and restoration supply company from Connecticut, will be leading the free gravestone cleaning and repair demonstration. They will be using their expertise to teach participants how to properly clean and repair gravestones, taking into consideration the different types of stone and the historical significance of the markers.