Spring and summer 2017 are already starting to fill up with challenging projects and interesting presentation dates. To find us in the field or lecture hall, mark your calendars for the dates below!
It’s that time of year again! The National Trust for Historic Preservation Hands-On Preservation Experience (HOPE) Crew will be returning to Chalmette National Cemetery for a month of service to the historic cemetery and our country’s veterans.
Last year, Oak and Laurel Cemetery Preservation, LLC participated in one week of a four-week project. This year we’re thrilled to be at Chalmette for two weeks! We’ll be supervising a re-setting crew, operating chain hoists and other equipment to straighten and re-align headstones. Other volunteer crews will perform preservation-grade headstone cleaning and documentation of markers.
This is a great opportunity to care for an important historic resource, as well as a chance to learn technical preservation skills – and even meet like-minded folks from the area! Last year, HOPE Crew drew nearly 500 volunteers, spending nearly 2500 hours in the cemetery. The impact on Chalmette Cemetery was incredible. Check out some great video footage from last year’s volunteer month: HOPE Crew at Chalmette National Cemetery HOPE Crew: Re-setting Headstones in Chalmette HOPE Crew: Stories from Chalmette Register for HOPE Crew Chalmette Volunteer month. We’re so excited to be back in Chalmette this year – see you in the cemetery! |
May 20: 2017 American Italian Federation of the Southeast (AIFEDSE) Convention, Gretna, LA
The schedule of the annual convention of the American Italian Federation of the Southeast includes all sorts of attractive features including a wine tasting, swing music, and a presentation by New Orleans own authority on Italian heritage and history, Sal Serio.
The Association of Gravestone Studies (AGS) has been a force for cemetery study and preservation since 1977. In addition to publishing a regular journal, AGS serves as a clearing house for research on cemetery preservation and architecture. The annual conference of AGS provides an unparalleled venue to learn, network, and collaborate with cemetery lovers nationwide.
It’s rare that the annual conference of AGS makes it to the southern states (last time was Savannah, Georgia, in 2002) which makes it exceptionally exciting that AGS 2017 will take place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
This is an excellent opportunity for cemetery researchers, genealogists, preservationists, and craftspeople to represent the diversity and importance of southern cemeteries. Oak and Laurel Cemetery Preservation, LLC will be presenting on lost and demolished New Orleans cemeteries. We will also be collaborating with Sam Beetler II of the City of Savannah Department of Cemeteries for a discussion of how independent contractors and cemetery owners can preserve cemeteries together. The program for AGS Tuscaloosa promises a rich collection of scholarly research, workshops, discussions, and adventures to Alabama cemeteries. In our experience, nothing compares to the fellowship and enthusiasm of an AGS conference – we can’t wait! |
Oak and Laurel Cemetery Preservation, LLC will be returning to the American Italian Cultural Center on Peters Street in the Central Business District this July for a presentation on the Italian contribution to New Orleans cemeteries.
Last year we presented to a full room about Italian tombs, stonecutters, and famous burials. This year, we will be adding to this research and including some interesting facts we couldn’t include in last year’s lecture.
September 18: Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans, Metairie, LA
Finally, we will be presenting September meeting of the Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans, at the East Bank Regional Library at 7pm. We will be sharing insights on genealogical research and cemetery records, as well as little-utilized resources and innovative research methods.
2017 is going to be a productive year of preservation and collaboration with dear friends. We still have availabilities for presentations and lectures. To learn more, contact us at restoration@oakandlaurel.com.