48StateTour! - Jackson Square Cemetery

Join us at Jackson Square Cemetery in Natchitoches, LA!

The event is co-hosted by The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training.

Participate in gravestone cleaning and learn the most common safe & effective repair techniques! There will be discussion on historic preservation and the day will begin with a short walk and talk tour, visually surveying some of the most historic gravestones and monuments in need of repair.

Hands on experience in adopting a stone and performing the cleaning process yourself! Learn safe & effective removal of biological activity with approved stone cleaners and graffiti removal + prevention techniques.

The most common repair techniques will be discussed and performed including resetting a badly leaning or sunken tablet stone and joining broken gravestone fragments using epoxy, clamps, and bracing techniques. 

If time allows, we will employ an overhead, lifting tripod and demonstrate how to rig and lift monuments safely. If time also allows, we will review materials required and the process involved in replacing eroded or lost stone with the use of a stone infill material, including preparation, application and curing of mortars. 

We recommend bringing water, snacks, and any other essentials you feel that you may need. For example, a chair for breaks, hat, sunscreen, etc. We recommend wearing closed toe shoes and appropriate clothing if you are planning to participate.