Marker Cleaning Workshops will resume on Saturday, April 15 and then on June 17, and on the third Saturday of each month through Saturday, September 16. Workshops are not held in May as volunteers are busy preparing the Cemetery grounds for the Memorial Day holiday weekend activities. The marker cleaning series of workshops is a wonderful volunteer project that anyone can be involved in. Our monthly seasonal workshops began in 2013, and since that time our volunteers have cleaned over 450 headstones and memorial markers. The purpose of cleaning the cemetery markers is not to make them look new again, but rather to help preserve them by removing dirt, lichen, moss, and other plant growth. The cleaning process also allows visitors to more easily read the inscriptions and symbolism on the stones.

We meet at 9:00am at the Sexton’s Tool Shed and Information Kiosk and usually work until around noon or to whatever time you can afford to donate. All the proper cleaning tools and materials are provided along with instructions on how to clean the markers. Be sure and dress for the project as you may get a little wet! Bring a stool to sit on, and a hat and sunscreen are also recommended. Parking is available within the Cemetery grounds. Thank you in advance for joining us in this very worthwhile and rewarding project.

Coming in May—Tuesday Evening Cemetery Stroll and History Saturday—Both of these very popular programs will be returning in 2017, with our first Cemetery Stroll scheduled for Tuesday evening, May 9 at 6:30pm. when we’ll tour the Improved and Independent Orders of Red Men Sections of the Cemetery. Learn the interesting history of this oldest fraternal organization founded in the United States.

On Saturday, May 13 at 10:00am, our first 2017 History Saturday in the Cemetery Program will be presented: “Entertainment and Leisure Time in the Late 1800’s and Early 1900’s.” This one is sure to be a fun and interesting topic!

Both programs are free and no advance reservations are required. Meet your Docents at the top of the Cemetery Road where you will find parking available. As always, we suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Donations are always appreciated and help support these educational programs as well as ongoing Cemetery restoration and preservation projects.

Be sure to check our website for complete details on these and all our planned Cemetery Events and Activities at www.friendsjvillecemetery.org.