New York Volunteer Restores Historic Headstones
A Northern New York nurse restores 3,000 markers using safe cleaning methods to preserve local history for the community.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Home Cleaning
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Since 2020, Northern New York resident Allyson Stephenson has cleaned more than 3,000 abandoned headstones across Upstate New York. In 2026 alone, the medically retired nurse cleaned over 400 markers while coordinating a growing network of volunteers.
Why it matters
The work highlights the importance of historic preservation and community-led maintenance of local cemeteries. It provides a blueprint for residents interested in restoring markers while ensuring historical accuracy and proper site care.
Stephenson has cleaned over 3,000 headstones since 2020, with 400 completed in 2026. The work relies on D/2 Biological Solution, which costs approximately $200 for a five-gallon container.
The players
Allyson Stephenson
A medically retired nurse and co-founder of GraveGeeks who leads historical cemetery preservation efforts in Upstate New York.
GraveGeeks
A nonprofit organization that coordinates cemetery preservation efforts with 105 volunteers across the country, Canada, and Norway.
The details
Cleaning efforts involve using soft-bristled brushes, scrapers, and a pH-neutral biological cleaner to gently remove environmental buildup. Volunteers must secure formal permission from local governments, historical societies, or cemetery associations before beginning any work to ensure the site remains protected. Stephenson also uses online resources like FindaGrave.com and FamilySearch.org to research the deceased and verify historical records.
Timeline
1997: Stephenson opened her first Ancestry.com account.
2020: The headstone cleaning initiative began.
2021: Stephenson started posting videos of her preservation work online.
2026: The project reached the milestone of 400 cleaned headstones.
The Home Front
Professional-grade cleaning agents like D/2 Biological Solution are increasingly used by community stewards to safely maintain historic masonry. This effort aligns with broader trends in local historical preservation and community-led site management.
If you are interested in historical preservation, contact your local cemetery association or town historical society for site-specific requirements before touching any stone. Always ensure any cleaning solution used on delicate materials is pH-neutral to prevent permanent structural damage.
The takeaway
Preserving historic markers requires patience, research, and the use of appropriate, non-abrasive cleaning products. Beginners should prioritize obtaining formal permissions and verifying historical facts through sites like FindaGrave.com before starting any independent cleanup project.
Further reading
For more tips on maintaining outdoor surfaces and heritage sites, visit Home Cleaning.
More information
To learn about volunteer opportunities or support restoration efforts, visit the GraveGeeks nonprofit volunteer and support portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Syracuse.
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Do you believe citizens should take responsibility for maintaining abandoned historical gravesites in their local communities?
