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The Dangers of Gravestone Rubbing
While you can still find a few websites that promote gravestone rubbing, many states have made this practice illegal. It can cause serious harm to a gravestone.
The practice of gravestone rubbing was to place a piece of paper against the front of the gravestone and then use a crayon or pencil to rub against the paper. This was a method of recording the look and words of the gravestone.
Unfortunately, with many gravestones being centuries old, this practice would often cause the stone in the gravestone to chip and flake. Some people would put shaving cream, chalk or flour onto the front of the gravestone to help the letters stand out better. None of these are good ideas. Chalk is not biodegradable, flour promotes mold growth, and shaving cream leaves an acid residue that eats away at stone. No matter how well you believe you wash away your work when you're done, gravestones are full of nooks and crannies. Don't cause harm to the graveyard you are trying to document!
Your best bet is to take along a good digital camera, on a bright, sunny day where you get the best contrast, and to take the pictures. Even subtle shadows can be emphasized in most digital software packages, and you'll be able to see exactly what those letters were saying to you.
How to Document a Cemetery
Cemetery Genealogy - The Basics
Putting Cemetery Information on the Web
Your Guide to Cemetery Research from Amazon.com
Main Listing Page
All Genealogy Articles
Note - Lisa Shea wrote this content for the genealogy site at BellaOnline.com - you might still find this content there as well. That's fine :) I gave permission!
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