The Copp’s Hill Burying Ground has recently undergone significant conservation efforts that successfully addressed the deteriorating conditions of gravestones on the historic site.
Spanning over 2.04 acres and housing approximately 2,230 grave markers, the burial ground has faced challenges related to the age of the stones and their exposure to the elements.
Due to the high number of gravestones requiring attention, the conservation initiative was divided into a multi-phase project, allowing for a systematic approach to preserving the historic markers.
Sections were designated by letters, with the first phase focusing on sections C, G, H, and I.
During the initial phase, 135 grave markers were selected for conservation, while an additional 60 gravestones required resetting due to tilting, falling over, or sinking into the ground.
The second phase addressed sections A, B, D, E, and F, involving 143 markers for treatment and a significant increase to 400 gravestones that needed resetting only.
This adjustment was made following successful results documented in the first phase, encouraging the expansion of tasks within the project scope.
Change orders throughout both phases reflected the discovery of unforeseen conditions, including hidden damage at the bases and grave fragments buried underground.
To fund these endeavors, the project received grants from the Community Preservation Act (CPA), totaling $104,400 for phase one and $100,000 for phase two.
Despite the strong support from CPA, the overall project costs soared to $267,000 for the first phase and $472,280 for the second, largely attributed to the higher number of gravestones and the inflationary pressures post-COVID.
Conducting gravestone conservation presented unique challenges, compounded by the absence of electricity and running water at the burying grounds.
While outdoor conservation was an option, results were often compromised by environmental factors, leading the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to favor work conducted within a controlled conservation studio.
Access to the site itself also posed a significant hurdle; surrounded by masonry walls and buildings, the only entry points featured several steps, adding to the logistical complications of the project.
Contractors utilized Copp’s Hill Terrace across the street for temporary parking, though it necessitated another set of stairs for transporting materials.
Gravestones were closely spaced in narrow rows, requiring meticulous handling during removal and resetting.
The conservator was tasked with the careful movement of nearly 400 gravestones to the studio, including over 1,000 markers, some weighing more than 200 pounds, necessitating the fabrication of a specialized lifting apparatus.
Upon conclusion of the conservation efforts, the conservator provided a comprehensive final treatment report detailing each gravestone’s condition, treatments applied, and photographic documentation throughout the process.
The final treatment report from Daedalus, Inc. outlined various conditions discovered on the gravestones, including surface conditions and delamination issues, which required careful attention.
Surface delamination, characterized by layers of stone separating, and instances of loss or breaks were prevalent among the markers, with concerted efforts to locate and restore original materials.
The conservatory approach ensured that stones with insufficient support were addressed and reinforced appropriately, restoring their historical integrity.
Despite the challenges, the outcomes of both conservation phases have met with satisfaction and approval, culminating in a Preservation Achievement Award from the Boston Preservation Alliance.
With one section remaining to be addressed, which contains more modern gravestones and potentially fewer restoration challenges, the future looks promising for the completion of this important project.
The ongoing commitment to preserving the site’s history is vital, ensuring that the stories and memories encapsulated within Copp’s Hill Burying Ground remain accessible for generations to come.
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