Cemetery Preservation Basics

Bemidji, MN – The Beltrami County Historical Society is pleased to announce a Cemetery Preservation Basics Webinar on October 30 at 2:00 PM. This informative session is presented by the American Association of State and Local History.

About the Webinar

Join Jason Harpe, Director of Cemetery Conservation for Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc., for an illustrated talk focused on the fundamentals of cemetery preservation and best practices in photography and documentation. This presentation is designed for individuals, families, non-profits, and municipalities interested in preserving historic cemeteries. Key topics will include:

• Developing preservation plans for historic cemeteries
• Conserving gravemarkers and assessing trees and monuments
• Site maintenance strategies
• Fundraising and grant writing tips
• Conducting geophysical surveys
• Completing cemetery survey forms
• Assessing eligibility for local landmarks and the National Register of Historic Places

About the Speaker

Jason Harpe brings 25 years of experience in historic preservation, working in both public and private sectors. He leads workshops on cemetery preservation for historical societies, student groups, museums, churches, and preservation organizations, and has hands-on experience conserving a variety of gravestones and monuments. He is a Certified Gravestone and Monument Conservator and a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation.

This webinar is highly recommended for cemetery managers, preservation volunteers, and individuals with private cemeteries on their property. Attendance is free for those who join in person, and no prior registration or advanced notice is required.

For more information, please contact the Beltrami County Historical Society.