Summer is pretty much in full swing and I know lots of folks are working on getting back out into their local cemeteries to explore. This also means that clean-up and conservation projects are also getting started. That’s why I chose Landscapes of Memories for this month’s cemetery book review.

Landscapes of Memories : A Guide for Conserving Historic Cemeteries, Repairing Tombstones was compiled and edited by Tamara Anson-Cartwright, who at the time this book was published was the Architectural Conservation Advisor for the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture, and Recreation. First published in 1998 by Queen’s Printer for Ontario, this guide focuses on conserving historic cemeteries by identifying the materials found in cemeteries, cleaning gravestones as well as basic gravestone repair. Here is the summary of the book from the publisher: 

“Landscapes of Memories – A Guide for Conserving Historic Cemeteries addresses the issues associated with the preservation and conservation of their cemeteries and tombstones. Cemetery trustees and genealogical societies have recorded the irreplaceable information of these tombstones, yet not enough has been written about the historical significance of Ontario’s cemeteries or their contribution to the cultural landscape. Nothing is available that describes conservation techniques appropriate for the different types of grave markers found in Ontario. This publication will begin to fill this void. 

The material in this publication reflects accepted conservation principles and addresses the needs of those who are responsible for, as well as those who have a general interest, in the care and maintenance of older cemeteries. It is especially intended for those who own and operate cemeteries, both private and municipal, and for monument builders and contractors who repair grave markers. 

This guide has been written by specialists in the fields of heritage conservation, landscape architecture, and masonry conservation. This volume, Repairing Tombstones, provides technical and practical information that will be helpful in making decisions about conserving tombstones.”

I came across this book on Facebook, in one of the Cemetery Repair and Preservation groups I am a part of. Someone had posted some questions about grave preservation techniques, and another group member had responded with a link to this book. You never know where you will come across great resources. 

The version I have is an updated edition PDF that was published in 2003. It’s available to read online, for free. I was not able to find a print version, but I am sure it exists out there. 

Landscapes of Memories is broken down into four chapters that go into great detail about materials used for gravestones and how to clean them. It also has step-by-step procedures to guide you through some of the basic gravestone repairs you might come across in the cemetery. There is a smattering of lovely black-and-white photos throughout the guide, as well as helpful illustrations. Even though it has a short page count, it packs a lot of information. Along with an extensive appendix, you will also find some relevant sections of the Ontario Cemeteries Act, a glossary of cemetery and masonry terms, and an ample bibliography.

As someone new to gravestone repair and cleaning, and having not attempted it yet myself, I found this guide to be very easy to follow and understand. It has great information on why certain materials should be cleaned a certain way and what the best practices are. Gravestone cleaning and repair are meant to help preserve cemeteries after all, not cause more damage. 

I think anyone who is thinking about cleaning and repairing gravestones should read this guide if they have not already. It’s a great primer to help get you started with basic repair and the do’s and don’t of gravestone cleaning.

I will note that some of the information in the appendices is now out of date, for example, the Cemeteries Act was repealed on July 1, 2012.¹ This means that it is no longer in force, but it does still apply in some situations. It was essentially replaced by the Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Services Act.² There is also no mention of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO). Established in 2016, the BAO is the government-delegated authority responsible for distributing provisions under the Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Services Act.³

The issue of current content when it comes to regulations and regulating bodies is not a new one, and please don’t let that stop you from looking into this resource. I do hope they put out an updated version sooner, rather than later. Landscapes of Memories is a great starting point for those interested in learning more about repairing gravestones in Ontario. The information regarding cleaning is also valuable for those cleaning gravestones all over the world. Having a good understanding of the materials you are cleaning is crucial to do it properly, and to prevent further deterioration. 

Considering this is a free resource available online, I recommend every taphophile pick it up. There is a lot of great information here about the different stones and materials that have been used for gravestones over the years. So whether you are interested in gravestone material, how to properly clean a stone, or how to do some basic repair, this is a great guide to pick up. 

Thanks for reading! 

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I am always on the hunt for cemetery-related book recommendations. Please feel free to share yours in the comments. If you are an author and have a cemetery-related book you would like me to review, please reach out at hello@chantallarochelle.ca. I would love to hear from you.

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References:

1. Cemeteries Act (Revised), R.S.O. 1990, c. C.4 | Ontario.ca
2. Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 33 – Bill 209 | Ontario.ca
3. About The BAO | Bereavement Authority of Ontario