Gravestone and Historic Marker Cleaning
Come clean … literally!
Help erase years of wear on gravestones and historic markers at Historic Gloria Dei
Join us on 1 p.m., Friday, April 25, at the graveyard of Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church to clean the gravestones of deceased members and signage that acknowledges the history of this site.
The occasion: Gravestone and Historic Marker Community Day Service.
Location: The church and graveyard are at 916 S. Swanson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (Christian Street and Columbus Blvd.).
The event: It’s an opportunity to do something nice to preserve the history of this site and for people who came before you to America. The event is sponsored by Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation.
Enjoy results in just 10 minutes
You’ll have fun, learn something new and meet some interesting people. And you’ll see amazing results quickly.
First, you’ll see how to clean graves and markers in a few easy steps. (Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation provides all supplies.)
Marco Federico of Heritage Conservation Collective will demonstrate how to do both and answer any questions.
Then you’ll get a chance to do it yourself … under guidance. You just spray, wait 10 minutes, then gently clean the gravestone with a soft brush. For markers, you’ll simply use soapy water and a non-metal brush to clean them.
You’ll see the results of your work very quickly.
Suggestions: Wear old clothes and bring a kneeling pad.
About National Historic Marker Day:
Launched as a grassroots celebration by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Syracuse, N.Y., National Historic Marker Day brings people together to maintain local markers by cleaning them and providing an opportunity to celebrate and preserve history.
This fun and family-friendly celebration is held on the last Friday of every April. Individuals, as well as groups of all sizes, are welcome to volunteer, including families and friends, civic organizations, schools and young groups, to name a few.
