Restoring Historic Fairview Cemetery Monuments with Jon Appell

Historic Fairview Cemetery is hosting a free workshop with noted gravestone and monument conservator Jonathan Appell. As part of his 48 State Tour to restore historic cemeteries, Jon will be in Albuquerque to teach interested people about effective gravestone cleaning techniques, and how to repair and re-set markers. He has more than 20 years of experience preserving historic monuments.

This is a hands-on workshop, so dress for interacting with dirt! You may want to bring an outdoor chair, snacks/lunch, water, a hat, sunscreen, and notebook. You'll learn more about Historic Fairview Cemetery and the history of Albuquerque in addition to proper techniques for preserving the markers in this special cemetery. The 48 State Tour is hosted by Atlas Preservation.

Here's an overview of the day's events:

OVERVIEW AND DISCUSSION
Discussion of historic preservation with a focus on masonry, cemeteries, and gravestones.

A short walk and talk tour, visually surveying the existing conditions of the terrain and some of the gravestones and monuments on site. This is an interactive tour in which questions and discussion is encouraged.

GRAVESTONE CLEANING DEMONSTRATION

• 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)

HANDS ON!

• After the cleaning demonstration, workshop participants are encouraged to adopt a gravestone and perform the cleaning process.
• Materials are supplied and available for use.
• Veteran stones are a priority & will be cleaned at each event!

WHAT TO BRING

• We recommend bringing some essentials to make the day comfortable: chair, cooler, water, snacks, etc.
• We recommend wearing old clothing and closed toe footwear that you do not mind getting dirty, especially if you will be participating in the hands on segments. Depending on weather, you may also want to bring a hat and sunscreen.
• There will be a brief pause during the day for lunch! (lunch is not typically provided)
• Most Importantly - Enjoy & Have Fun!