On August 13, Dale Jarvis, of Heritage NL presented a workshop on gravestones in the former St. Luke’s church in Placentia. The site is what is probably one of the oldest graveyards in Newfoundland.  The goal of the workshop was to inform people on how to properly look after gravestones.  It was sponsored by the Placentia Area Historical Society.  Dale Jarvis was assisted by Andrea O’Brien in the presentation.   

Information that came out of the presentation indicates the some of the actions taken to preserve or restore

gravestone may actually damage them.  Some of the liquids to clean headstones, such as bleach, is often more harmful than good.  Safer would be water and a soft brush. Another mistake that people make for broken gravestones is to bore holes through them to affix a piece of metall to join the broken pieces. People also often make mistakes in pouring concrete around the gravestone to keep it upright.

There was also some information on the Billion Graves App that can be downloaded for searching cemeteries around the world and to which you can also provide information.

Anyone seeking information on how to properly care for gravestone can contact the Heritage Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador.