Tombstone Rubbings

Students of all ages can make tombstone rubbings.  First, however, read, consider, and follow these important "Gravestone Rubbings Dos and Don'ts" supplied by the Association for Gravestone Studies.

If you decide to proceed with rubbings in a nearby cemetery, this method has been used successfully by other teachers. Large flat crayons work well for rubbings. Use sheets of newsprint - ask for an end roll from the newspaper office (it's usually free).  Before going to the cemetery, cut the newsprint into poster-size sheets.  Soft brushes or cloths may be needed to remove dirt and moss from tombstones.  Never use harsh brushes or chemical cleaners, and if a stone is crumbling, do not attempt a rubbing.  Give each students about six pieces of masking tape (place it on their wrist where it stays until they have chosen their subject) to adhere the newsprint to a stone with indented letters or decoration.  Rub the crayon over the stones progressively harder to bring out the detail and letters.  Some may wish to do a collage of decorations.   Use the masking tape to secure the rolled up rubbings for students to carry home or back to class.

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