The Canton Historical Society is hosting a talk on “Preserving Our History: Caring for Our Cemeteries” on Wednesday, September 25, at 6:30 p.m., in its building at 25 Turner Street.  The speaker will be Cheryl Willis Patten of the Association for Gravestone Studies (AGS) and the Maine Old Cemetery Association (MOGA).

 Cemeteries are delicate outdoor museums that contain history on individuals and towns.  They provide a wealth of information that may not be available elsewhere.  In her talk on “Preserving Our History: Caring for Our Cemeteries,” Ms. Patten will explain how to decipher information found on gravestones and discuss the steps one can take to conserve this valuable historical record.  She will also address some basic information used to evaluate and conserve cemeteries and describe best practices for caring for gravestones.

Cheryl Willis Patten has been an advocate for cemeteries for many years.  She chaired the 2011 AGS Annual National Conference and has held various offices with MOCA—including serving as chair of the MOCA Workshop Committee for eight years.  Retired from teaching and state employment, Ms. Patten now has more time for exploring cemeteries in Maine and various other states and countries.

Information on AGS can be found at www.gravestonestudies.org and information on MOCA can be found at www.moca-me.org.

This event is free of admission and open to the public.  The venue is handicap accessible.  Refreshments will be served.  Doors open at 6 p.m.

The Canton Historical Society is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization devoted to the preservation and celebration of Canton’s heritage and history.