learning from JONATHAN APPELL

(Left) Cemetery conservationist Jonathan Appell, and Jarrod Roll (right) reset a gravestone
​at the Lincoln Lutheran Cemetery, Ridgeway, IA.

I have been cleaning gravestones since 2005 and have taught hundreds of folks how to preserve grave markers along the way.  Over the years I have received numerous requests to repair gravestones and teach others how to do so as well.  Cleaning gravestones is one thing--repairing gravestones is another thing. Repairing gravestones is much more involved in every sense of the word.  But basic skills and techniques can be learned.  That's where cemetery conservator Jonathan Appell comes in.  Jonathan has been repairing and resetting gravestones since the 1980s.  He is currently travelling the continental US providing workshops for people (like me) who want some practical instruction in gravestone resetting and straightening.  On a muggy day in July 2022, I joined a dozen or so folks for a hands-on gravestone restoration workshop taught by Jonathan.  I learned so much and will look for future opportunities to attend one of his workshops.  I would encourage you to look for one of Jonathan's workshops coming to a cemetery near you:  48statetour.com