 Tombstone Preservation Workshop Caring for the graves of departed family members is a tradition for many people, especially around Memorial Day. ACHS would like to help by offering a gravestone preservation workshop. It will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, May 20th, and will meet at the Forest Hills Cemetery in Anoka. The gate is on the south side of the cemetery on Church Street near Ward Park. Group size is limited, and tickets are required in advance. Tickets for ACHS members cost $5.00, and non-member tickets cost $7.00 The participants will learn how to judge if a stone is stable enough to be cleansed, and how to clean it properly in order to minimize the risk of damaging it. They will also learn to recognize a variety of materials used for headstones during various time periods. The workshop will also cover some temporary ways to make inscribed writing or intricate carving sharper for a photograph. Workshop director, Vickie Wendel will offer fascinating insights into the symbolism of the rich art that adorns our older gravestones, and, if time and light allow, she will discuss the history of Forest Hill Cemetery. Of particular interest is the monument of Jonathan Emerson. Mr. Emerson ordered his own grave marker and had it carved, at great expense, to record not only his name and dates, but many of his OPINIONS as well. It has over 1500 words! Still he made an important error in terms of preservation. Workshop participants will discover his mistake and its consequences in time to prevent similar mistakes in conserving their own family markers. The cemetery workshop will involve walking over rough ground in less than optimal light, so participants are urged to bring a flashlight and to dress for the weather. For additional information, or to reserve tickets, please call the History Center at 763-421-0600.
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