Indiana Historic Society Cemetery Seminar

Indiana Historic Society had it's spring Cemetery Preservation Workshop.  Today was the seminar side of the workshop, the facilatator was Jeanette Rooney of IHS.   Our first speaker was Shelia Riley of the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, she spoke on Gravestone Symbolism and Art.  This was a very interesting in-depth tour of the various symbols and carving used in gravestone art.  How symbols were a non verbal way to tell the story of the interned.  Our next speaker was Jeannie Regan-Dinius DNR-DHPA, spoke on the Legal Issues Involving Cemeteries and Basic Restoration.   Ms. Regan-Dinius was a plethora of information on the legalities of cemetery restoration in the State of Indiana.  How we have laws that protect those interned in the State of Indiana.  How municipalities and government agencies are exempt from following these laws, that involve the public good.  How municipalities and government agencies work with the DNR to see that they are doing what they can to lessen impact on historic cemeteries.  I think Ms. Regan-Dinius is a credit to her field, as we have called on her several times to answer our questions.  Our last speaker was Kevin Combs, he spoke about the usage and finding of maps to help in cemetery research.  He gave an overview of where and how to obtain maps.  It was a really great seminar.  Looking forward to the hands on day tomorrow.