WORKSHOPS
Upcoming Workshops
Sponsored in part by


Title
Date / Time
Advanced Cemetery Preservation Workshop
$95 per participant (includes all materials and safety gear)
The Michigan Historic Preservation Network invites you to an advanced, full-day training in cemetery preservation on the historic grounds of Glenwood Historical Cemetery and Arboretum in Flint. Designed for caretakers, advanced volunteers, and preservation professionals, this workshop offers in-depth instruction on the ethical, material, and technical aspects of gravestone conservation in Michigan.
Led by Dr. Thomas Henthorn (University of Michigan-Flint), Suzy Ferguson (A Loving Legacy), and Melanie Purkis (historic masonry specialist, Purkis Cemetery Preservation), the workshop features a mix of expert presentations, live demonstrations, and supervised hands-on cleaning practice.
- Welcome and Introduction – Thomas Henthorn
An overview of the day’s goals and a brief history of Glenwood Cemetery. - Ethics, Permissions, and Planning – Thomas Henthorn
A focused discussion on legal and ethical issues in cemetery preservation, including obtaining permission, respecting descendant communities, and planning appropriate interventions. - Materials in Michigan Cemeteries – Thomas Henthorn
Learn to identify and assess common stone types—such as marble, limestone, sandstone, and granite—and understand their preservation needs and vulnerabilities. - Headstone Cleaning Techniques – Suzy Ferguson, A Loving Legacy
A comprehensive session on conservation-approved cleaning practices:- Products: Selecting biological and chemical cleaners appropriate for historic stone
- Methods: Step-by-step demonstration of effective and safe cleaning techniques
- Dos and Don’ts: Key principles to avoid unintentional damage
- Hands-On Cleaning: Participants will clean historic markers under guided supervision
- Lunch Break
- Lifting and Setting Stones (Demonstration Only) – Thomas Henthorn and Suzy Ferguson
Participants will observe a live demonstration of how to safely assess, lift, and reset fallen or leaning grave markers using preservation-grade tools and techniques.
Adhesives and Mortars for Historic Stone Repair – Melanie Purkis
Learn about the selection and use of adhesives and lime mortars in gravestone conservation. Topics include preparation, mixing, application, and long-term performance in Michigan’s climate.
September 13, 2025
9 AM – 3 PM ET
Glenwood Historical Cemetery and Arboretum – Flint, Michigan
Hands-on Masonry Workshop
This event is mostly hands-on with secondary element of lecture, teaching the basics of tuckpointing, mortar and plaster.
$100 Registration Fee
CONTACT: RHONDA BAKER (CITY OF GR) – RBAKER@GRCITY.US –
456-3451
October 18, 2025
8 AM – 4:30 PM ET
963 Richmond NW Grand Rapids
Richmond Park Pavilion
Practical Preservation Workshops
These workshops are designed to educate historic home owners and commercial building owners on the benefits of historic preservation. The participants will gain a profound understanding of restoration techniques and methods, at the same time, discovering invaluable ways to save money.
Workshop participants will gain the knowledge and skills they need to perform masterful restorations as well as a greater appreciation for the cost-effectiveness of historic preservation.
- Don’t pass up the opportunity to learn the valuable trades of:
- Building Assessment 101
- General Maintenance for Historic Buildings
- Masonry Maintenance and Repair
- Plaster and Stucco Repair
- Porch Repair
- Weatherization
- Window Restoration and Repair
Understanding Preservation Practices
- Historic Preservation can be confusing.
- What do designations mean?
- How do I research my historic property?
- Are there incentives to rehab and preserve?
- Understanding Historic Designations
- Researching Your Historic Building
- Preservation Incentives For Nonprofits and Communities
Realtor Education Workshop
Join the Michigan Historic Preservation Network for this workshop to equip Realtors and real estate professionals with tools to help market and sell older homes. Learn how to communicate the value of owning a historic property to your clientele!
Continuing Education: The workshop offers two elective CE credit hours.
- Topics include:
- Different Types of Historic Designation
- Historic Districts and Property Values
- Current Market Trends
- Identifying Historic Architectural Styles
- Researching Historic Information
- Marketing Historic Buildings
For more information, please call us at 517.371.8080
or e-mail us at Info@mhpn.org