Monthly Meeting - GRSNO

Preservationist Emily Ford will present the basics of cemetery material conservation, at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 27, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

This event is free of charge and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Beginning with a discussion of preservation ethics and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation, Ford will show how these standards apply to monuments, tombs and other cemetery features that families encounter at their own properties. After establishing this context, the presentation will conclude with technical do’s and don’ts for caring for cemetery property.

Emily Ford is a cemetery preservationist, restoration mason, and architectural historian based in New Orleans. She is a graduate of the Clemson University Master of Science in Historic Preservation program at Charleston, South Carolina. As owner of Oak and Laurel Cemetery Preservation since 2014, Ford has performed hundreds of tomb and monument restorations throughout the Gulf South, including Pensacola and Natchez as well as South Louisiana. She continuously researches and analyzes historic craft and landscapes of historic cemeteries, regularly presenting to genealogical, historical, and preservation groups. Her work focuses on empowering cemetery stakeholders in the care and preservation of their properties. She also served as superintendent of cemeteries for the City of New Orleans from 2019 to 2024. 

The Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans was established in 1960 to foster an interest in family research and to encourage preservation of genealogical records in New Orleans, and in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast south. Since January, 1962 the Society has published a quarterly, New Orleans Genesis, which is available to its members. 

Program inquiries should be directed to Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.