Graveyard Preservation Primer - (American Association for State and Local History) 2nd Edition by Lynette Strangstad (Hardcover)

About the Book

A Graveyard Preservation Primer has proven itself to be a time-tested resource for those who are seeking information regarding the protection and preservation of historic graveyards. It was first written to help stewards of early burial grounds responsibly and effectively pres...

Book Synopsis

A Graveyard Preservation Primer has proven itself to be a time-tested resource for those who are seeking information regarding the protection and preservation of historic graveyards. It was first written to help stewards of early burial grounds responsibly and effectively preserve their graveyards. Much information found in the first edition of the book remains valid today. Still, much has changed in the twenty-five years since its first publication, and the new edition reflects these changes.

Perhaps the most dramatic change in burial ground preservation is in the world of technology. Changes in computers and the way we use them have also changed preservation practices in historic graveyards. Discussion of technological changes in the new edition includes those in mapping, surveying, photography, archaeology, and other areas of evaluation and planning.

Review Quotes

An excellent tool for those working to restore and/or preserve cemeteries whether a small family project or a larger more involved project. This book should be considered a necessary reference guide for anyone contemplating a cemetery restoration project since many problems are addressed.


Anyone interested in the restoration and preservation of historic burial grounds will enthusiastically welcome this greatly expanded and updated edition of Lynette Stangstad's classic Primer - an indispensable resource in harmony with 21st Century technology and scholarship.


Educators and enthusiasts interested in graveyards and graveyard preservation will appreciate this surprisingly comprehensive text. Strangstad makes a convincing case in her opening chapter on the historical, sociological, and artistic value in preserving these early cemeteries. Subsequent chapters offer extensive information and resources for preservation efforts, including organizational, ethical, and conversation issues.

Lynette Strangstad's A Graveyard Preservation Primer set the standard for the field of cemetery studies twenty-five years ago. Her information about conservation techniques was essential for those of us who sought guidance in this new discipline. The second edition ofthe Primer provides material regarding preservation technologies that have been recently introduced, and also addresses the myriad new methods for documentation of historic burial sites. The development of GPS, computer programs and digital photography have advanced the accuracy and efficiency of survey and recordation -- and as usual, Strangstad leads the way in telling us how to do it.

About the Author

Trained through the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Restoration Workshop, Lynette Strangstad has specialized in graveyard preservation since 1980. She has served as conservator, burial ground consultant, preservation planner, and speaker at sites throughout the United States and is nationally known for her work in burial ground preservation.