This document discusses documentation of cemeteries and monument care. It emphasizes that documentation is the first phase of cemetery surveys and involves historical research, photographs, and oral interviews to record the current condition and existing materials. The document recommends creating an accurate site map and using standardized forms to describe monuments, materials, manufacturers' labels, paint colors, condition, and missing features. It stresses involving the community and properly training those involved in documentation.
9. Documentation
First Phase of Surveys
• H istorical
D ocum entation (prim ary
resources)
• H istoric / C om m unity
Photographs
• O ral interviews
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10. First Step:
Documentation
Why is this im portant?
• Account of the
current cond ition.
• Record of existing
m aterials.
• H elps to establish
preservation
priorities.
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11. L ocate or C reate a Site Map
American Cemetery, Natchitoches, LA 11
12. L ocate or C reate a Site Map
• Several electronic
program s available
• C an be a sim ple
location m ap
• To an interactive
GIS / GPS d ata base
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18. Survey Form s / Written
D ocum entation
• Several form s available
• N ot all form s serve all need s
• D evelop need specific and site specific
form s
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19. Written D ocum entation
• Before you begin
pick your form
• D ecid e the
“m eaning” of all
term s on the form
• Train all people
involved
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20. Written D ocum entation
H ow would d ifferent people d escribe this?
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21. Written D ocum entation
Identify Materials
lim estone
zinc
m arble
concrete
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29. Documentation
• D escribe
• L ist any m anufacturers
labels
• Paint color(s) found on
fence
• C urrent cond ition
• N ote any m issing
features
30. Where to G et More Information
Texas Historical C ommission
www.thc.state.tx.us/
National C enter for Preservation Technology and Training
www.ncptt.nps.gov
A ssociation for G ravestone Studies
www.gravestonestud ies.org
C hicora Foundation
www.chicora.org
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Editor's Notes
The data was then translated into Adobe Illustrator to create the completed map you see hanging in the back.
The next phase of the documentation was develop and undertake an assessment of the markers. This is the first of a three page form we developed for this purpose. This first page recorded the inscription and description of each marker.
Also accompanying the written documentation was photographic documentation that done both digitally in color and in the more archival stable B&W prints. Develop protocols.
The data was then translated into Adobe Illustrator to create the completed map you see hanging in the back.