Preserving Historic Monuments

Elrod Cemetery Association Board Members Royce and Jonathan Smith recently completed training on the cleaning and preservation of historic cemetery monuments through the Tennessee Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University. Based on the guidance of the U.S. National Park Service and Cemetery Conservators for United Standards, the Elrod Cemetery Association has developed guidelines for preserving the headstones and other monuments within the historic cemetery.

Elrod Cemetery Board Member Royce Smith cleans an historic headstone at the cemetery.

"While it still remains the obligation of each family to look after headstones and grave conditions of their loved ones at Elrod Cemetery, we want to be as prepared as possible to help do it in a way that protects and preserves the monuments and overall condition of the cemetery." Royce Smith, Elrod Cemetery Board Member

Those interested in cleaning stones of their own immediate family members at Elrod Cemetery are encouraged to first contact a member of the Elrod Cemetery Board to receive assistance with materials, equipment and repairs.

NO MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC is permitted to clean or repair monuments placed in Elrod Cemetery before 1940 without the express permission and assistance of management.