Oil City, PA— The Oil Region Alliance will host two hands-on cemetery preservation workshops this spring to teach participants how to properly clean and maintain headstones with instruction by cemetery preservation expert Jason Church.
The first workshop will be Tuesday, April 5 at Pioneer Cemetery in Franklin. The second will be Wednesday, April 6 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Titusville. Both will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude around 3 p.m.
“After being delayed for more than one year, the ORA is excited to finally welcome Jason Church from NCPTT to the Oil Region to lead these workshops on the proper techniques for caring for our historic cemeteries,” said Jenn Burden, ORA Heritage Manager.
Church is Chief of Technical Services at the National Center for Preservation Technology, which is part of the National Park Service. He holds degrees in Historic Preservation and Building Science and serves as a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation.
In addition to cleaning techniques, Church will also demonstrate how to make some repairs to headstones.
Preregistration is required by calling the ORA office at 814.677.3152. Cost is $50 per person and includes lunch and materials and tools to use during the workshop and to take home for future use. Space is limited.
The ORA appreciates the support and partnership of the Venango County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Woodlawn Cemetery in this event. Questions can be directed to Burden at jburden@oilregion.org. jburden@oilregion.org