Gravestone Conservation

Conservation work starts with an assessment of the particular gravestone. It's shape, size, material, construction methods and materials, foundation support, and location are all important elements in successful project completion.

Conservation Projects at HCC

With over 14,000 headstones and countless footstones, corner markers, coping blocks, and fencing, stone conservation is a never ending aspect of our cemetery operations.  All the work is handled with care but some projects present interesting challenges.

Cenotaph Project

Congressional's cenotaph conservation project lasted two years, cost $1,750,000, involved five major conservation organizations, and earned us the Mayor's Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. 

Eagle Scout Projects

What could be more worthy of an Eagle Badge than historic preservation projects?  Local Boy Scouts have earned the ultimate Scout merit badge combining hard work, leadership, organization, and follow through with projects at Congressional Cemetery.

Gravestone Rubbings

Grave rubbings is an art form that goes back centuries, although many preservationists strongly advise against it.  Rubbings are not allowed at Congressional Cemetery.