Caleb Hopkins Project
The Caleb Hopkins Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution plans to undertake the restoration of the historic Pioneer Burying Ground. This cemetery serves as the final resting place for many of Pittsford's founding families. We are aiming to raise the $500 minimum in matching funds required to apply for a grant from the National Society DAR—but we don’t want to stop there.
Under the supervision of restoration experts, this project will include the cleaning, repair, and stabilization of damaged headstones; removal of overgrown brush; relocation of displaced and fallen headstones; replacement of missing or broken veteran grave markers and professional restoration of iron fencing. While much of the work will be carried out by dedicated volunteers, its successful completion will still require substantial financial support. Your donation, large or small, will go directly toward preserving a tangible piece of Pittsford’s past and ensuring it remains a respectful and informative space for generations to come.
Our chapter plans to initiate the restoration project on October 11th - the National DAR Day of Service. Members of our chapter will gather in the cemetery to clean headstones.
Why Gravestone Repair is Expensive — And Why It’s Worth Every Penny
Why Gravestone Repair is Expensive — And Why It’s Worth Every Penny
The first rule of gravestone restoration is simple: Do No Harm. These markers are irreplaceable pieces of history, and preserving them means using the safest, highest-quality materials—no shortcuts. Unfortunately, those materials are costly and only available from specialty online suppliers.
D/2 Biological Solution—the trusted cleaner used at Arlington National Cemetery and the White House—is gentle but effective, removing biological growth without damaging the stone. Soft Tampico brushes prevent scratching, unlike bleach, power washers, or wire brushes, which can cause permanent, irreparable harm.
When resetting or repairing stones, limestone mortar and grout are preferred over cement. They are softer, allowing the tablet to shift rather than crack as it settles and endures seasonal weather changes. Their porous nature prevents moisture from being trapped and freezing - causing the stone to crack. They are also easier to remove for future repairs and are more environmentally friendly.
We are fortunate to have local expert David Bloom (“The Gravestone Guy”) guiding our materials selection, and Stefanie Hohmann (@thatgraveyardgal1) training our team in cleaning techniques. Using the very best practices will ensure these tangible pieces of history endure for generations to come.
Gravestones damaged by
improper tools and technique
Photos taken from: cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org
Photos of David Bloom taken from visitfingerlakes.com
