The Cemetery Doctor: Preserving history for Vicksburg and beyond

In the heart of Mississippi’s history, cemeteries stand as silent sentinels, bearing the legacies of those who came before us. Tombstones, monuments and markers are more than just stone; they are a record of history, a memory and an art of craftsmanship. These important symbols of our past face a constant battle against time, weather and neglect. This is where professionals such as Trent Lewis, known as the Cemetery Doctor, come in. Lewis helps preserve these irreplaceable monuments so they may continue to tell their tale for future generations.

A passion for history

Trent Lewis’s passion is rooted in a deep appreciation for history. It was this passion that first drew him into the world of cemetery preservation. While many may simply see a gravestone, he sees a piece of history – an art form crafted by skilled artisans from long ago. “We’re very fortunate that some of this stuff is still standing out there that was put down 200-something years ago, 150 years ago, 100 years ago, whatever,” Lewis states. “You know, from all the beating and battering of the weather and stuff that it’s took over time. So I say this, hats off to our ancestors and all the people of long ago that created this stuff.”

Many of the cemeteries he works in are steeped in local stories, from Civil War soldiers to early Mississippi families. One location that Lewis has had the pleasure of working with lies here, in Vicksburg, at Cedar Hill. Vicksburg carries deep historical roots and has been home to many historical families.

“Some of these families are well-known in the region and the stories behind their tombstones are just as fascinating as the monuments themselves,” he explains. Through his work, he not only helps to preserve the physical structures, but the rich stories of the people who helped shape the history of Vicksburg and the broader Mississippi region.

From hobby to business: The beginning of a passion

Lewis’s journey into cemetery preservation began as a simple hobby, driven by a deep curiosity and admiration for the craftsmanship found in historical monuments. Inspired by the historical group, Sons of Confederate Veterans.

“Sons of Confederate Veterans are real big about cleaning up all cemeteries. It doesn’t have to have a Confederate soldier in it or a Civil War soldier, Union soldier or a general. It can have whatever in it,” he began. “They’re really big about cemetery preservation. I owe a lot to that because that is what introduced me into taking up the hobby. When I did it, I enjoyed it.”

As he volunteered, Lewis began to not only find a personal peace and reward, but also a need to reach out to get more people involved. “As I went along and I started seeing all the neglected cemeteries all across this state and the area that I was doing volunteer work in, it really saddened me. We’re some of the only ones around here in this organization that are doing this and we [needed] to step it up and get more people involved,” Lewis explained.

“I started reaching outside of the SCV and getting local people involved. I put together, basically, my own little work crew,” he added. Lewis, along with his crew, volunteered their services to go help the community of Rodney reclaim an old cemetery. “That’s really the big kicker that started me into tombstone restoration, right there. That was, just a little after 2008.”

The art of science and cemetery preservation

The art of preservation is more than a simple cleaning. It is a delicate process, requiring an understanding of history and science. The materials that make up these monuments – whether marble, sandstone or granite – each require different methods of care and restoration. Granite is tough and resistant to many forms of damage. However, marble is more porous and fragile, requiring a much gentler touch.

As Lewis explains, the key to proper tombstone preservation lies in the understanding. Factors, such as the makeup of the stone and the chemicals used in repairs play an important role in preservation. “I’ve gone back behind people and I can’t tell you how many I’ve fixed. How many that I tried to fix that were so far gone because of the damage [from] just not doing proper research and going with what science and research says. When you’re dealing with chemicals, you get into science. You have to know those chemicals, and you have to know what’s in those chemicals,” explained Lewis.

For The Cemetery Doctor, there are no shortcuts. By combining technical knowledge with careful craftsmanship, he’s been able to restore many historic monuments to their original beauty.

The challenges of monument restoration

Restoring tombstones is a complex task which often requires specialized equipment, such as cranes for larger structures. Some monuments can weigh up to a ton and stand several feet tall. For these types of repairs, the Cemetery Doctor must bring in special equipment to lift these monuments to restore them to their original state.

Another challenge of restoration lies not in the physical hurdles, but the budget. Many restoration projects rely on donations and community involvement. “These cemetery committees often work with limited budgets, and without donations, it’s hard to keep up with the upkeep,” he notes. The public’s participation, whether through donations or volunteering, is crucial for maintaning the legacy of these historical sites.

Preserving our legacy

The Cemetery Doctor’s message to the community is clear; preserving history is everyone’s responsibility. “It’s important to preserve your history. It’s important to keep these cemeteries alive and well.,” he says. His work highlights the importance of not only restoring these monuments but also supporting local efforts to protect these historical sites. “It’s important to donate to these cemetery committees that are trying their best, because they work off of little donations,” he emphasizes.

Through his tireless work, the Cemetery Doctor helps ensure future generations will continue to walk through these living museums of our past. The dedication to his craft, combined with a passion for history, makes him an invaluable asset in the field of cemetery preservation.

As Trent Lewis reflects, “The most important thing would be [to] preserve your history. Take a part in it. Help save what little is left.” With each restoration, he’s helping to ensure the stories of our ancestors continue to stand tall for years to come.

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