Join the park’s Historic Preservation Specialist, Burke Greear, as together we explore the proper methods for cleaning and preserving grave monuments. Coming to Virginia State Parks from a career in the National Park Service, Greear has been formally trained in stone preservation techniques that he has used to treat and repair literally thousands of headstones in the surrounding region and beyond.

Join us as we learn about more about identifying different stone types, styles, symbolisms, and eras of popularity associated with grave marking. We will discover more about how the American burial place has evolved, how practices have changed over the years, and what’s the real difference between a Graveyard and a Cemetery?

This cemetery preservation workshop will be held on Saturday, May 4 from 1-4pm at Big Stone Gap’s Glencoe Cemetery. Participants should wear sturdy-toed shoes and dress properly for outdoor activity. The fee for the workshop is $40 which will include a gravestone cleaning kit to take home. Participation is limited.

For more information, or to register please call the park at 276-523-1322.