OLCA NEWS
DUCK RIVER CEMETERY RESTORATION
Beginning in September 2021, volunteers have been working in the Ancient Section of the Duck River Cemetery to preserve and restore early gravestones. Under the expert guidance of Ruth Shapleigh-Brown of Connecticut Gravestone Network, Michael Carroll of Rediscovering History, and Parker Lord and Bill Denow of Lyme’s gravestone restoration project, this dedicated group has learned to clean, straighten, excavate, reset, and mend gravestones dating from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries.
As of May 2022, volunteers have straightened and reset 50 stones, cleaned 57 stones, mended 5 stones, and prepared two additional stones for mending.
While we still have a long way to go, our volunteers are making great progress. If you are interested in joining our crew, please contact us.
Cleaning Gravestones
Cleaning the stones involves moistening the surface of the stone with water, gently removing the lichen with a flexible scraper, and brushing off the accumulated stains with a soft brush.
Mrs. Sarah Mather’s gravestone was stained and very difficult to read. After gentle cleaning, the inscription is now visible.
Straightening & Resetting Gravestones
Straightening the stones requires loosening and removing the surrounding dirt. The stone is then either lifted out of the hole or gently maneuvered so that it is straight from all angles. Finally, the dirt is replaced and tamped down to hold the stone in place.
Mrs. Sarah Champion’s gravestone was broken and leaning on the gravestone in front of it. It was reset lower for stability
