Mission
To record, preserve, maintain, and protect the historic cemeteries of Jacksonville, as well as increase public appreciation and awareness of the historical and cultural value cemeteries provide communities.
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Gravestone Rubbings
Gravestone rubbing is a controversial subject. Many states now ban it in historic cemeteries as a protective measure against further intentional erosion of stones. If a cemetery is undergoing restorative work, it may be prohibited until the restoration work is complete. Rubbings can cause unnecessary damage to already fragile stones. You should use your best judgment. Remember, photographs make great mementos!
Reading Inscriptions
Some of the inscriptions you find in a cemetery will be quite difficult to read. It is recommended to that you use a large mirror to direct bright sunlight diagonally across the face of the grave marker to cast a shadow in indentations and make inscriptions more visible. A bright flashlight will achieve the same results.
Please DO NOT use the following to read inscriptions:
- Chalk - Chalk is made from Plaster of Paris, which is not biodegradable and will harden when moistened (by rain) and left to dry. Some brands of chalk will also scratch the stone surface.
- Shaving cream - Shaving cream contains greasy emollients that are nearly impossible to remove from the stone either by rain or scrubbing and will cause the stone to deteriorate. It leaves an acid residue on the stone that does not wash off. Shaving cream contains a chemical known as theatric acid, which will cause the surface of the stone to exfoliate, especially if that stone is either granite, marble or limestone. By putting shaving cream on the stone, you are doing the same thing acid rain does over a long period of time, only you are hastening the destruction.