Introduction

Why are these gravestones important?

What is causing the deterioration?

Why not wait to fix the stones?  What’s the rush?

What would the $65,000 in funding be used for?

How long will the repair work take?

Where can I obtain more Information?

Introduction

“Funding for Repair of the Town’s Historic Gravestones"

Frequently Asked Questions

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 The Wayland Historical Commission has had an ongoing concern over the deteriorating condition of a large number of historically significant gravestones in the three Town-owned cemeteries.  Many headstones and grave markers dating from the earliest settlement of Wayland through the 1800’s are rapidly disintegrating and are in dire need of pro-active, professional care before they are damaged beyond repair.

Despite continued best maintenance efforts by the Park and Recreation, hundreds of  gravestones are considered at risk and require professional  repair.  Last year, Town Meeting appropriated $10,000 enabling the Historical Commission to engage experts in gravestone conservation to assess the damage to the Town’s oldest gravestones.  That work nearly complete, this year, the Community Preservation Committee is recommending that $65,000 of already-collected CPA funds be appropriated by Town Meeting to commence conservation (repair). 

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Why are these gravestones important?

Wayland’s historic gravestones provide a rich visual and cultural representation of the history of Wayland (as well as Massachusetts and our Country) over the past 350+ years.  The story of the Wayland’s founding families, the struggle for Independence (close to 50 Revolutionary War veterans are buried in the North Cemetery alone), and the growth of the town are all represented in the unique artistry and craftsmanship of these stones.  Serving as a virtual outdoor art gallery, these exceptional markers are historically and genealogically vital, and should be viewed as a finite historical resource.

What is causing the deterioration?

New England weather, with the combination of water and freezing temperatures, has freeze-thaw cycles that are constantly working on the stones, both to break them apart and to topple them. Acid deposition (a close relative of acid rain) degrades the headstone surface areas, effecting names, dates, epitaphs and artwork.  Additionally, the stones tilt over time, which eventually causes them to topple and break.

Why not wait to fix the stones?  What’s the rush?

The stones are deteriorating at an alarmingly rapid rate and are exponentially worse than they were even a year ago.  If we don’t act now, some stones may soon be damaged beyond repair.  It is much more economical to reset tilted stones, or repair small cracks in the short term, than it would be to wait until the they fall and break apart to put them back together again (if even possible).

What would the $65,000 in funding be used for?

The funds appropriated would be used to obtain the services of a gravestone conservator to repair damaged headstones and footstones as recommended by the assessment study.

How long will the repair work take?

Repair work of this type typically can last one year or more.  Conservation will be prioritized to repair the worst and most endangered stones first.

Where can I obtain more Information?

You may go to the Historical Commission’s website at www.wayland.ma.us/historical, and click on the link to Gravestones.  You may also send inquiries to the Commission, c/o the Town Building, 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA 01778, or contact Steve Curtin, (508) 647-9870, escurtin@comcast,net.