My husband and I were at a dinner gathering. One of our friends is planning to visit a family cemetery to do tombstone rubbings. He asked how he should do this. We've done some rubbings, but we didn't know if we had done it correctly. So, I did some research.

The Association of Gravestone Studies provides a guide in their "Gravestone Rubbing for Beginners" leaflet. They say:

• Check with whomever is in charge to see if rubbing is allowed in the cemetery.
• Get permission.
• Rub only solid stones in good condition.
• Make certain that your paper covers the entire face of the stone; secure with masking tape.
• Use the correct combination of paper and waxes or inks; avoid magic marker-type pens or other permanent color materials.
• Test paper and color before working on stone to be certain that no color bleeds through.
• Rub gently, carefully.
• Take all trash with you; replace any grave site materials that you may have disturbed.
• Don't attempt to rub deteriorating marble or sandstone, or any unsound or weakened stone (for example, a stone that sounds hollow when gently tapped or a stone that is flaking, splitting, blistered, cracked, or unstable on its base).
• Don't use detergents, soaps, vinegar, bleach, or any other cleaning solutions on the stone, no matter how mild!
• Don't use shaving cream, chalk, graphite, dirt, or other concoctions in an attempt to read worn inscriptions. Using a large mirror to direct bright sunlight diagonally across the face of a gravemarker casts shadows in indentations and makes inscriptions more visible.
• Don't use stiff-bristled or wire brushes, putty knives, nail files, or any metal object to clean or to remove lichen from the stone. Soft natural bristled brushes, whisk brooms, or wooden sticks are usually OK if used gently and carefully
• Don't attempt to remove stubborn lichen. Soft lichen may be thoroughly soaked with plain water and then loosened with a gum eraser or a wooden popsicle stick. Be gentle. Stop if lichen does not come off easily.

The leaflet, "Gravestone Rubbing for Beginners," which includes a list of materials needed and the procedure for using lumberman's crayons, is available for $3.50. Order leaflets from the AGS Office: 278 Main Street, Suite 207, Greenfield, MA 01301. The website with additional information is: Association for Gravestone Studies

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© 2000-2008

Connie Lenzen, CG

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