My Dad, is on a genealogy kick. He's been going to a lot of old cemeteries, documenting old dates and info for births, deaths, marriages, number of children, etc. One problem he kept having was the dates not coming through on his camera, since the older tombstones turn dark with dirt, mold, etc. Now he carries a can of spray foam men's shaving cream with him, just for this very purpose.
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That's a REALLY GOOD idea!
Thanks!
Well what a great tip. My husband and I used to trek to some out of the way cemeteries out here in MO and I would take photos and had that
problem. Now I will gladly pass this tip to him as he very dedicated to his work on his family history.
See:
www.gravestonestudies.org/
They have a whole set of pamphlets for the education on tombstone preservation.
Cleaning A Gravestone
www.savinggraves.org/
Photographing Gravestones: A Few Basic Pointers by Trina Purcell
www.rootsweb.com/
Tips for Photographing Gravestones, By Maureen Taylor
www.genealogy.com/
Suggestions for Your Cemetery Restoration and Stone Repair Toolbox
www.rootsweb.com/
www.thefuneraldirectory.com/
www.bitsofblueandgray.com/
Brenda, This may work well on granite tombstones, but it NOT a good idea for older limestone, marble or slate tombstones. Shaving creme leaves acids in the stone which helps accelerate breakdown of the stone. Better to bring a cheap 24 x 30 plastic mirror, and use reflection from the sun to illuminate the markings.
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