As autumn settles over Leelanau County, our landscapes transform into a patchwork of golds, reds, and russets, and a beautiful time to walk through our local cemeteries. The quiet paths and timeworn stones tell stories of families, pioneers, and the communities that built this place we call home.
While temperatures haven’t quite dipped below freezing yet, soon they’ll begin to fluctuate between warm and cold – a time when cleaning headstones is no longer recommended, as moisture trapped in the stone can cause damage when it freezes. But for now, early autumn is the perfect season to visit your family plot, freshen it up, admire the craftsmanship of old stonework, or simply enjoy a reflective stroll through the cultural landscapes that makes Leelanau unique.
Want to make a difference while you enjoy the season? Join the effort to document Leelanau’s cemeteries on Find a Grave. You can add photographs of headstones, add family information (i.e. photographs, obituaries, biogrpahies), or help verify existing records and fulfill information requests for others. This community-driven archive connects families across generations and preserves our local history in a searchable, global format. Together, we can ensure that the names and stories within these landscapes are never forgotten.
Each year, the Leelanau Historical Society hosts Headstone Cleaning & Restoration Workshops to teach proper techniques for preserving these fragile monuments. Cemeteries are, in many ways, outdoor museums, each stone a piece of history that deserves to stand the test of time. We are done hosting workshops for 2025, but we will host more in 2026. In the meantime, if you know of a cemetery in Leelanau County that needs attention, we encourage you to take photographs and share them with us. Your observations help us identify future workshop sites and ensure these important places continue to be cared for with respect and skill. Contact us at Info@LeelanauHistory.org
Frequently Asked Questions: Caring for Our Cemeteries
- Why is it important to care for old headstones and cemeteries?
Old headstones are more than just markers; they are tangible links to our past, what we like to call primary sources of information! They tell stories about our ancestors, local history, and community heritage. Caring for these sites preserves this history for future generations and shows respect for those who came before us. - Is permission needed to clean or repair a headstone?
You don’t need permission to clean or care for your own family’s plots, but if you plan to work on other headstones, it’s best to first contact the family, cemetery owners, church, or township officials. The Leelanau Historical Society partners with local officials and congregations for our workshops to ensure all work is done respectfully and responsibly. - We encourage community members to help care for cemeteries – attend an LHS Headstone Cleaning or Restoration Workshop to learn safe techniques, and never attempt major repairs without professional guidance.
- What tools and materials are safe to use for cleaning headstones?
We use soft-bristled brushes, only water, and D/2 Biological Solution — a cleaner approved and used by both the National Park Service and Arlington National Cemetery for monument and headstone care. D/2 continues to work long after application, reducing the need for heavy scrubbing and helping to gently lift biological growth over time. We never use metal tools, harsh chemicals, nor any household cleaners, which can damage the stone. Our workshops teach participants how to use these materials safely and effectively to ensure each monument is preserved for generations to come. - How often should a headstone be cleaned?
Typically, cleaning once every few years is sufficient. Over-cleaning can erode the stone, while neglect allows biological growth to cause damage. - Can anyone participate in the workshops, or is prior experience required?
Our workshops welcome everyone, from beginners to experienced caretakers. We provide all necessary training and tools, so no prior experience is needed. We welcome all ages, though children should be supervised. It’s a great way for families to connect with local history together. - What types of headstones will we work on during the workshops?
Common materials include marble, granite, limestone, and sandstone. Each requires a slightly different approach, and we’ll guide you through the best methods for each type. - Are the workshops only about cleaning, or do they include repairs?
Our workshops focus primarily on safe cleaning and documentation. Repairs, like resetting stones, are taught at select workshops when trained professionals are brought in. - How can I help care for cemeteries outside of workshops?
Simple actions like removing leaves, controlling weeds, gently removing moss and lichen built up with water and plastic spatulas and reporting damaged stones to the cemetery owners makes a big difference. - How do I know if a headstone is too fragile to clean?
Signs include large cracks, flaking surfaces “sugaring”, or instability. If you encounter these, avoid cleaning them. Notify cemetery owners if major damage such as broken or toppled headstones are found. - Can I research the people buried in the cemeteries?
Absolutely! We encourage participants to explore genealogical databases and local archives. Start your search with Findagrave.com, next visit our online archives and digitized newspapers to keyword search names. Want to dive deeper? Make an appointment at our Research Center in Leland! - Why don’t the workshops include cleaning all cemeteries or headstones?
We prioritize historic cemeteries and stones at risk of deterioration, but resources are limited. We host a couple workshops a year and hope community members will join us to increase our efforts. - What impact do these workshops have on the community?
Beyond preservation, our workshops foster community pride, volunteerism, and intergenerational connection. Many participants find a deeper appreciation for local heritage and enjoy the camaraderie of working together.
Summer 2025 Highlights – Maple Grove Cemetery Workshop
This summer’s Maple Grove Cemetery Workshop brought together volunteers, families, and local historians to learn best practices for headstone care. Participants cared for over 200 19th-century stones, documented inscriptions, and shared stories of the families buried there. These small, careful acts help preserve our county’s history one stone at a time.
View our photo gallery below and watch our video on YouTube to learn more about proper cleaning techniques and cemetery preservation.
