Utah woman works to preserve state's cemetery history, one headstone at a time

SALT LAKE CITY — As people around the world observe holidays like Day of the Dead and All Saints' Day by honoring loved ones who have died, one Utah woman is working year-round to preserve the stories of those who came before her.

Cemetery program manager for the Utah Historic Preservation Office, Amy Barry, has spent years documenting burial records and helping ensure cemeteries comply with state laws. Her work also includes cleaning, repairing and resetting historic headstones across Utah.

Barry said her passion for the work comes from a love of history and a desire to preserve historic materials for future generations.

For the past seven years, she has been trained in the proper methods for cleaning and restoring historic grave markers, often focusing on stones that are more than a century old.

"Typically, I'm working on headstones that are 100 years or older, and depending on the type of stone, that can really determine how it's wearing down or weathering," Barry said.

While she has not kept track of the number of headstones she has restored, Barry said she has traveled throughout Utah to repair damaged markers.

She is especially drawn to gravesites that no longer have descendants or family members to care for them.

"I hate to see all of that history and the stories just go away because they've disintegrated or they've gotten lost to time," Barry said.

The Utah Historic Preservation Office recently recognized Barry for her contributions to preserving the state's history.

Officials said her work extends beyond restoration efforts, noting that she also teaches communities throughout Utah how to repair, reset and realign historic headstones in their local cemeteries.

"I tend to want to try to preserve those because it might be the only lasting legacy we have of that person," Barry said.

State officials encourage anyone interested in cleaning or restoring headstones to first learn proper preservation techniques. Information about restoration guidelines is available through the Utah Historic Preservation Office, and Barry also offers in-person training opportunities. Details can be found on this website.