Restoring the Stones

Back by popular demand, Zach Studenroth, SHHM President, will conduct a series of four different walking tours of the Old Burying Ground, one on each of the last Sundays of June, July, August and September. Meet at the flagpole at Union and Church Streets. Attendance is free; donations are appreciated.

The burying ground preserves over 350 headstones and footstones, some broken in pieces on the ground, others tilting ominously, or partially buried. Which can be repaired and preserved? Does stone type (brownstone, slate, marble) matter? What methods and materials are used in restoring gravemarkers and can volunteers help? The Robert D.L. Gardiner Foundation funded restoration of 20 patriots’ gravemarkers in the Old Sag Harbor Burying Ground, and their conditions and treatments illustrate the range of techniques available in the preservation of historic headstones.