EVENT 1:
10:00 a.m. start; approximately 45-minute Memorial Day Ceremony
The 153rd Pa. Volunteer Infantry Reenacting Group will host a ceremony to honor members of the original 153rd PVI (and other veterans buried at Nisky Hill Cemetery). This event is free.
Nisky Hill Cemetery is located between Church, Market and Center Streets in Bethlehem. Street parking is available. The entrance to the cemetery is located at the corner of Church and Center Streets. See cemetery map.
EVENT 2:
Clean up area of cemetery in proximity to Civil War veteran graves
Those able to stay on following the Memorial Day ceremony will assist in a cleanup exercise around the area of the Civil War veterans. (Section 9 of the cemetery.)
Activities to include clearing items (debris, moss, grass, leaves, sticks, etc.) from around the base of the grave stones; applying water, followed by a biological cleaner, to the stones; cleaning/painting the nearby cannon and cannon ball grouping. Cannon ball grouping repairs will be made by Roundtable President, Barry Arnold. See the attached document for images of the issues we will be addressing.
Volunteers should dress appropriately for yard work and painting. Most materials will be provided by the Roundtable. We ask only that participants bring along tools such as lawn and/or hand rakes and garden knives, and gloves, if you wish to wear them. (Using a knife to clear growth from around the base of a grave marker is the best way to prevent the stone from inadvertently being damaged. Removing growth by hand is another safe option.)
The biological cleaner, which has been donated a Roundtable member, will be pre-loaded into spray bottles, as will water. The cleaning activity is a safe, easy three-step process:
Clear the base of the stone of loose and/or organic material.
Thoroughly spray the stone with water, and wait five minutes before proceeding.
Spray the entire surface of the stone with D/2 Biological Solution.
That’s it! The cleaner will gradually eat away materials, e.g., lichen, air pollution-staining, that have attached to the stone.
NOTE:
D/2 is safe for skin contact, clothing, and grass and soil. It is the preferred product to use on grave markers, including those in Arlington National Cemetery!