“SOUTHOLD HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO CO-HOST GRAVESTONE PRESERVATION SEMINAR”

SOUTHOLD, NY.  The Southold Historical Society is pleased to announce that on May 14, 2005 a special seminar on the history and preservation of gravestones organized by the Association for Gravestone Studies (AGS) will take place in Southold.  The seminar is co-sponsored by the Society and will include introductions to gravestone art and considerations of local and regional gravestone conservation and preservation issues.  

The Association for Gravestone Studies (AGS) was founded in 1977 for the purpose of furthering the study and preservation of gravestones. AGS is an international organization with an interest in grave-markers of all periods and styles. Through its publications, conferences, workshops and exhibits, AGS promotes the study of gravestones from historical and artistic perspectives, expands public awareness of the significance of historic grave-markers, and encourages individuals and groups to record and preserve gravestones. At every opportunity, AGS cooperates with groups that have similar interests.

Among the featured speakers will be: C.R. Jones, a conservator at the New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown, with decades of experience in gravestone interpretation and conservation and Richard F. Welch, author of Memento Mori: The Gravestones of Early Long Island 1680-1810, published by the Friends of Long Island's Heritage in 1983.  Dr. Gaynell Stone, the noted archaeologist and historian, will also be a presenter. The seminar, to be held at the Southold First Presbyterian Church, will include hands-on work in local cemeteries.

To pre-register, call or e-mail the Society office. A $20 registration fee is required from all participants.  A minimum of 25 participants must register for the conference to take place.

Registrations can be made through the Southold Historical Society office. For more information, call the Society at (631) 765-5500 or email them at shsdirec@optonline.net.