About this Webinar

Volunteers are invaluable resources organizations can utilize in cemetery preservation projects. They possess unique skill sets, generous spirits, and a passion for history, but might not have experience in the work of public history or nonprofits. Cemetery projects can include documentation, landscaping, stone cleaning and maintenance, research, new technology, and programming, and participants will need some degree of training and management to succeed.

This webinar will outline strategies for organizations to effectively use volunteers for cemetery projects. We will discuss finding tasks suitable for various skill levels, communication and recognition, proper safety training, and strategies for recruiting volunteers from relevant community groups like historical societies or genealogy clubs. This webinar will also address all the necessary safeguards that organizations should have in place for the protection of organizations and volunteers when conducting preservation activities in cemeteries.

About the Speaker: Jason Harpe has 25 years of experience in the field of historic preservation in both the public and private sectors and is currently Director of Cemetery Conservation for Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. He leads workshops on cemetery preservation for historical societies, student groups, museums, churches, and historic preservation organizations, in addition to conserving gravestones and monuments of diverse types in family, church, and municipal cemeteries. He is a Certified Gravestone and Monument Conservator and a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation.

This webinar is sponsored by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

Details

DATE: October 7, 2025

TIME: 3:00 - 4:15 pm EASTERN (Remember to adjust for your time zone)

COST: $25 - Members/$45 - Non-members

ACCESS: You will be provided with instructions on how to access the live event upon registration.

Recording and Captioning

We will record this event. Captioning is provided for the live event.

Learning Outcomes

During this webinar, participants will:

• Learn about different aspects of cemetery work and how to match them to appropriate volunteers
• Distinguish between what tasks can be done by volunteers and what should be left to professionals
• Gain familiarity with the basic safety protocols and considerations of this work
• Discuss strategies for recruiting and retaining volunteers
• Learn about mobilizing community groups to preserve vital community resources

Book Discount 

Registrants will receive a promo code for 30% off A Graveyard Preservation Primer (2nd ed.) by Lynette Strangstad.

Connecting the Content

This webinar will especially help organizations enrolled in STEPS address multiple standards under the Stewardship of Historic Structures and Landscapes section of the STEPS program.

The Standards and Excellence Program for History Organizations (STEPS) from AASLH is a self-study, self-paced assessment tool designed specifically for small- to mid-sized history organizations, including volunteer-run institutions. Through a workbook, online resources, and an online community, organizations enrolled in STEPS review their policies and practices and benchmark themselves against national standards.

Having issues registering? Please contact learn@aaslh.org

Please note AASLH's Notetaking Tools Policy: During webinars and online courses, the use of any AI notetaking tools such as meeting assistants is prohibited to ensure the confidentiality and security of the discussion. Our sessions are automatically recorded and transcribed for participants. AI tools will be removed from events by AASLH staff if they appear. Please contact us at learn@aaslh.org if you need to use AI tools for accessibility reasons.

How to Register for this Event

Cancellation/Refunds for onsite workshops must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the early-bird registration deadline date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made between the early-bird deadline date and eight days prior to the workshop will be subject to a $55 processing/materials charge. No refunds will be given within seven days of the workshop date. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

Cancellations/Refunds for online professional development (webinars and online courses) must be submitted in writing via email to learn@aaslh.org or mail to 2021 21st Ave S., Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37212. Cancellations made prior to the start date for the online course or the day of the webinar will be given a full refund. No refund will be given after the start date for the online course or on/after the day of the webinar. Registrants may transfer their registration to another person. Registrations cannot be transferred between courses or course sessions. AASLH is not responsible for cancellations that were mailed or emailed but never received.

If you have any questions, please contact AASLH Professional Development staff at learn@aaslh.org or 615-320-3203.