Help preserve our heritage!
We are once again looking for locals who value historical preservation to help with the important task of cleaning and maintaining the headstones in our cemeteries. The Maple Ridge Cemetery and Whonnock Cemetery have graves dating back hundreds of years. Many of the people buried there are early settlers of our community and do not have anyone left to care for their resting place.
Join us to take part in this important, unique, and memorable project.
Pre-reservation is required and all ages are welcome! (youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult). This event is a great way to give back to our community, while enjoying the outdoors with your family!
Volunteers must provide their own cleaning supplies. A list will be sent out prior to the day.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please email our Community Engagement Coordinator at engage@mapleridgemuseum.org
Headstone Preservation FAQ
Q: How does a Headstone Preservation session work?
A: We arrive and debrief at the cemetery gate, then fill up our water and head to the area where we will be working. You choose which headstones you would like to clean, and do as many as you feel like doing.
Q: Do I need to stay in the same area as everyone else, or can I clean headstones elsewhere?
A: You are welcome to clean wherever you want; however we appreciate people staying in the same general area in case of a medical event/surprise wildlife. Plus, it’s more social that way!
Q: Do I need to be there the entire time?
A: Nope! You are welcome to stay as long as you’d like, though we appreciate it if you can let us know if you will be arriving late or leaving early.
Q: What kind of tools do I need to clean headstones?
A: Simple tools from the dollar store are all you need! We recommend one or two soft-bristles brushes (no metal), sponges, a bucket or container for water, chopsticks or bamboo skewers, and a knife, edging tool, or scissors for cutting back grass. We send a full list in our event reminder email to registered volunteers a few days prior to each session.
Q: Can I bring my children to a Headstone Preservation session?
A: Absolutely! Children as young as two have participated in Headstone Preservation. Any children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult and we ask that grown ups have a chat with interested kids about cemetery etiquette prior to the session.
Q: My family member is interred at the cemetery. Can I clean their headstone?
A: Absolutely! You are allowed to visit the cemetery any time during cemetery open hours to clean your family headstones.
Q: I would like to schedule a group volunteer session (Scouts, class, etc). How can I do this?
A: Headstone Preservation sessions are a great way to give back to the community! Please email Abby at engage@mapleridgemuseum.org
Q: Are there any Headstone Preservation sessions outside of the summer?
A: We like to schedule our sessions when we can be reasonably confident that the weather will be nice. If you are interested in cleaning outside of these times, there is an unaffiliated Maple Ridge Headstone Preservation Group that meets at other times of the year. You can email headstonepreservationmr@gmail.com or search the group name on Facebook to join.
Q: I don’t live nearby, but my family member is interred in the cemetery. Can I make a specific cleaning request?
A: While the museum cannot guarantee that we will be cleaning in the same area, the unaffiliated Maple Ridge Headstone Preservation Group does take requests! Please email headstonepreservationmr@gmail.com with your cleaning request for either Maple Ridge Cemetery or Whonnock Cemetery.
Q: Can I come to the cemetery on my own to clean headstones?
A: As long as you know what you are doing and you are respectful of the stones, you are welcome to come on your own and clean during cemetery open hours.
Q: How do I start organizing headstone cleanings in my own community?
A: Gather your supplies and some friends and get started! We recommend speaking to your local municipality if you are planning on going in a larger group so that they are aware, and also so they can let you know if the cemetery will be in use that day.