Libertyfest Lecture Series: Headstone Preservation Workshop with Diary of Abandoment's Laura Sotts
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Every stone tells a story—if we can still read it.
Join us at historic Sinking Springs Cemetery for a hands-on cemetery preservation workshop led by Laura Stotts, founder of Grave Conditions. This meaningful experience invites participants to learn the careful art and responsibility of preserving historic headstones—ensuring that the names, dates, and legacies etched in stone are not lost to time.
Over the years, Laura’s work has grown from documentation and research into full-scale preservation. Through Grave Conditions, she provides professional headstone cleaning and conservation services for families, churches, and historic cemeteries—always guided by National Park Service standards and a deep respect for those memorialized.
During this workshop, you’ll learn:
• Proper, non-damaging headstone cleaning techniques
• How to safely document and assess grave markers
• The do’s and don’ts of cemetery preservation
• The importance of stewardship in protecting local history
Participants will have the opportunity to observe and assist with real preservation work, helping restore legibility to stones that have weathered decades—or centuries—of exposure.
About Laura Stotts
Laura Stotts is a cemetery preservationist and founder of Grave Conditions, a service dedicated to the care, cleaning, and documentation of historic grave markers. Her work combines hands-on conservation with historical research, bringing renewed visibility to stones that have faded over time. With a commitment to best practices and preservation ethics, Laura helps communities protect one of their most personal and enduring historical resources.
Join us at historic Sinking Springs Cemetery for a hands-on cemetery preservation workshop led by Laura Stotts, founder of Grave Conditions. This meaningful experience invites participants to learn the careful art and responsibility of preserving historic headstones—ensuring that the names, dates, and legacies etched in stone are not lost to time.
Over the years, Laura’s work has grown from documentation and research into full-scale preservation. Through Grave Conditions, she provides professional headstone cleaning and conservation services for families, churches, and historic cemeteries—always guided by National Park Service standards and a deep respect for those memorialized.
During this workshop, you’ll learn:
• Proper, non-damaging headstone cleaning techniques
• How to safely document and assess grave markers
• The do’s and don’ts of cemetery preservation
• The importance of stewardship in protecting local history
Participants will have the opportunity to observe and assist with real preservation work, helping restore legibility to stones that have weathered decades—or centuries—of exposure.
About Laura Stotts
Laura Stotts is a cemetery preservationist and founder of Grave Conditions, a service dedicated to the care, cleaning, and documentation of historic grave markers. Her work combines hands-on conservation with historical research, bringing renewed visibility to stones that have faded over time. With a commitment to best practices and preservation ethics, Laura helps communities protect one of their most personal and enduring historical resources.
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Where is it happening?
Sinking Spring Cemetery, 123 Russell Rd NW,Abingdon, Virginia, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherAbingdon Music and Events
