THE LANGLEY CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
Stewards of the historic Langley-Langville Cemetery
LANGLEY CEMETERY CONSERVATION DAY
NOTED SCULPTOR AND CONSERVATIONIST LEADS EFFORTOctober 11, 2022
Eighteen months ago, the long-hidden Langley Cemetery was suffering from erosion and neglect. On October 11th, it underwent a transformation, with repairs to many of its grave structures, thanks to the support of the Trader Foundation for MD Burial Sites, which assists cemetery preservation and those engaged in such efforts, along with volunteer labor, donations, and loans.
The Langley Cemetery Association this summer surveyed, assessed, and prepared a plan to address the most pressing needs for grave conservation. Guiding that work was Andy Del Gallo, of Manassas, VA, a noted sculptor and monument maker and restorer, with significant volunteer support from Michael Replogle, President of the Langley Cemetery Association.
Andy Del Gallo has worked as a Sculptor, a stone carver and crafter of bronze for over 30 years. His talent and skills have brought him various commissions throughout the United States. He designed, sculpted and cast 6 large plaques for a Korean War Veteran Memorial in Arlington VA, and other work at the Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington, DC. In addition to his works as a Sculptor, Andy is an expert in the restorations of historical mortars and preservation of historical memorials.
On October 12, 2022, Andy spent the day guiding a work crew that together completed the first phase of grave conservation activities, repairing cracked stones, reattaching monuments to their bases, pouring new foundations for monuments, and honing markers to help reseal their surfaces from moisture and degradation.
More work lies ahead. On one corner of the cemetery, a steep slope is eroding, accelerated by removal of decades of brush from the cemetery surface. This erosion is degrading coping around several graves, which need new cement foundations. The Cemetery Association will pursue additional grants in 2023 to pay for a second phase of conservation work, including construction of a new retaining wall to protect cemetery structures for the long run.
Please donate to support our continuing non-profit work to conserve the Langley Cemetery and its historical legacy for our community.
A New Era
Langley Cemetery is back after 50 years! Small groups of people are welcome to visit the private cemetery during daytime hours without reservation, unless it is closed by special events or uses.
The non-profit Langley Cemetery Association is responsible for operating and managing the cemetery and is seeking volunteers to help with cemetery maintenance, grave conservation, events, fundraising, and communications. Please contact us if you are interested in helping.
Please also let the Langley Cemetery Association know if you would like more information about opportunities for burying the cremains of your loved one or yourself in the cemetery, something we expect to initiate in 2023.
Look out for future events!