Thursday, July 16, 2015

Recording Progress

Unknown    6:29 PM    No comments


Internship Week 5

Recording Day # 1

Monday June 29th was our first date recording with the volunteers. Sadly, we had to finish early due to thunderstorms in the area but we were able to record quite a few markers. 
          
Photos by: Kevin Gidusko
Collage by: Glenda Vaillant

When we record we play close attention the inscription on the marker, the marker material, and any grave goods around the marker. The inscriptions on the marker give clues to the characteristic of the deceased, such as age at death and religious affiliation.

We have becoming out every Monday in the month of July. We had lots of volunteers help out with this project. Thanks to them we have been able to make lots of progress. We are almost done recording!

Photo by: Kevin Gidusko
This particular gravestone caught our eye when recording on Monday. With a little research I was able to find that Mrs. America Keen had other family members at Beulah. He father Andrew Jackson Dunaway was a Confederate soldier and the first person to be buried in Beulah. The Civil War has left a mark in Florida's history, with a large population migrating to Florida after the war. 

Photos by: Kevin Gidusko
 Collage by: Glenda Vaillant
On our second day of recording a reporter from the West Orange Times came out and interviewed the volunteers.

Photos by: Glenda Vaillant Cruz
Collage by: Glenda Vaillant Cruz

On our the third and latest recording date we got a lot of help from our wonderful volunteers! We were able to record more than half of Beulah! While recording we came across a marker with several different types of grave goods. When we find marker like this we are reminded of why the preservation of historic cemeteries is so important. Historic cemeteries serve as a remembrance of those who are no longer with us, but they also remind us of our beginnings. There is so much to be learned from what others have left. Moving forward with this internship I examine what can be learned from Beulah. 
If you are interested in volunteering at Beulah please check out the Orange County Historic Cemetery Recording Project Facebook page. We will post the upcoming recording dates, as well as more information about this project.


Thursday, July 2, 2015

Cemetery Recording Safety Preacuations

Unknown    6:51 AM    No comments


Internship Week 4 

When recording cemetery data there are several safety precautions that are necessary take in order for the successful completion of a project. It is important that surveyors protect themselves from the elements.

Being exposed to excess amount of heat can cause extremely harmful health issues. When recording during summer months it is important that everyone takes the heat in consideration. Simple safety measures such as wearing sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats can make a huge difference.

According to OSHA, or the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, wearing tightly woven clothes can help block harmful UV rays that lead to skin cancer. Sunscreen should be of at least SPF 15 as it helps block more than 90 percent of UV rays. UV absorbent sunglasses provide the best protection from the sun's rays. Surveyors must take extra precaution between the time of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as this is when the rays are at it's strongest. Drinking plenty of water, taking breaks, and resting in the shade help reduce the possibility of heat related injuries from accuring. As the temperature increases, so does the risk of heat injury. If there is a steep raise in temperature increase safety measures.

It is vital that all surveyors understand heat related injuries and their signs.

Heat Rash

  • Red "rash" appears throughout body most commonly neck and chest.
  • Area of skin affected must be kept dry.
  • Move into a shaded, cooler area if possible.

Heat Cramps
  • Pain and muscle spasms in legs, arms, and abdomen.
  • Rest in shade.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • If symptoms last, seek medical attention.

Heat Exhaustion
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and lightheadedness.
  • Weakness, thirst, and irritability.
  • Heart beating uncontrollably fast.
  • Move to a cool, shaded area immediately.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve.
  • Do not continue to work for the rest of the day.

Heart Stroke

  • Seizures, fainting, and confusion,
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Abnormally high body temperature.
  • Call 911 immediately.

It is important that surveyors understand the predicted weather patterns of the work day. Before commencing work check local weather listings. In the occasion of possible rain storms, check weather patterns throughout the work day. All work must come to an end if lightning is spotted. Surveyors should seek shelter indoors in the occasion of thunderstorms. The safety of surveyors is extremely important and should be handled with care.

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