Gravestone Restoration Workshop in honor of Mothers Day

In honor of Mothers’ Day,  Albany Diocesan Cemeteries will host a Mothers Day gravestone restoration workshop:

May 18th, 2022*
10:30 AM – 12:30pm at Historic St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.

This workshop focuses on the graves of women and children.  Tragically, Victorian era cemeteries, like most of their kind, serve as the final resting place for thousands of mothers and children who were unfortunate victims of a time when medical care and medicines were primitive and often ineffective.  Some statistics note infant mortality in the 19^th century as high as 50 percent before the age of one year.  Childbirth was dangerous and too often fatal.  Over time the memorials to these poor souls have suffered the effects of the elements and need cleaning and repair.

This special workshop is a way for us to remember the lives of mothers and children gone too soon.

All cleaning materials will be provided including D2 Biological Solution, nylon brushes and water sprayers.  You will need to bring waterproof gloves and a dishpan for water.  If you would like to bring a garden seat to sit on rather than sitting on the ground, please feel free to do so.

This workshop is by reservation only.

To make your reservation, please call Kelly at 518-350-7679 or email [email protected].  A material fee of $10 will be collected the morning before the workshop.

*Rain date will be May 25.

Program Director:  Kelly Grimaldi

 

“Mommy, I could not console you the day my tiny body died,

but your tears reached me in Heaven every time you cried.

When you get here you will not find the little babe you knew, because your love for me was sunshine, and in it’s warmth I grew

I blossomed like a beloved flower you raised inside your heart

and when you meet me in heaven, we shall never be apart.

There is an essence of me resting in sacred ground.

Leave your body next to mine when you are Heaven bound.”

– K. Grimaldi