The Cemetery Commission is hosting a hands-on workshop led by Gravestone Conservation Specialist John Heider during July 14-16, 2025. The workshops are free of charge and open to the public.

An extensive assessment of the cemetery was completed by Heider in 2021 at the request of the Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission. Heider identified over 100 grave markers in need of repair. This much-needed gravestone restoration is due in part to the age of the cemetery (1851), weather, neglect and vandalism.

Part One of the workshop starts the morning of July 14 from 9:00-11:30 A.M. in the lower level of city hall. Heider will present a Power Point presentation on why we preserve cemeteries and the basic methods to do this.

The afternoon workshop on July 14 is from 1:00-4:00 P.M. in the Mount Vernon Cemetery. Volunteers will learn the proper techniques to probe for and clean buried markers, how to document the markers, and how to reset simple tablet markers. It’s a rewarding process!

July 15-16, the community is encouraged to visit the cemetery to observe Heider at work and get involved in the restoration process. This project not only preserves our history but also honors the memories of those who came before us.

No experience is required, just the desire to help restore and preserve the Mount Vernon Cemetery. The workshops are free of charge and open to the public.
For more information and to register contact Mike Woods at 319-329-4378 or email [email protected]