Using Ground Penetrating RADAR (GPR) to uncover Unknown Graves and Gravestones in Historic Cemetery

Our local Historic Cemetery was started around 1802. This past summer we reset 85 Gravestones,. We found 6 Gravestones that had fallen over years ago and were buried. We repaired and cleaned many old Gravestones. We were interested in finding out if there were more fallen/buried Gravestones. There are Transient Grounds where people who died in the Erie Canal or on Town Roads were buried. Unfortunately the records for this area were not well kept. We had no idea how many people were buried. I contacted Dr. David Leslie Director of Archaeological ResearchHeritage Consultants, LLC Berlin, CT. He had a Ground Penetrating RADAR (GPR) unit and the expertise to use it in a Cemetery. Here's the process that we followed and the results that we obtained.
Things I used:
* GPR units ( www.geophysical.com/ )
* D2 Gravestone cleaner ( amzn.to/3tfNK2w ) or ( atlaspreservation.com/product... )
* Stone setting compound ( atlaspreservation.com/product... )
* Stone Epoxy ( atlaspreservation.com/collect... )
* Historic Stone Mortar ( atlaspreservation.com/collect... )
* Mold, Mildew, Algae Remover ( amzn.to/3cRJ663 )
* 1 gallon pressure sprayer ( amzn.to/3RzIpx9 )
* 3 gallon pressure sprayer ( amzn.to/3x0n2Nz )
* trowel and square ( amzn.to/3QiaKXC )
* Wood clamps ( amzn.to/3KNN38s )
* Spray Bottles ( amzn.to/3Bcw1xJ )
* Soft scrub brushes ( amzn.to/3wXfHyo )
* Cleaning Caddy ( amzn.to/3Rlex7T )
* Find-A-Grave ( www.findagrave.com/ )
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[@annesaunders3580]

This is fascinating, wish we could use this in our local cemetery to locate the old, historic burials.

[@SerendipitySue]

I don't know where you are located, but you could contact : Dr. David Leslie Director of Archaeological Research Heritage Consultants, LLC Berlin, CT
[e-mail]

[@frankwilliams2104]

Awesome work. Wish I were more savvy

[@ChristopherWhite-hv9vz]

Fantastic video!

[@Crimsontraum7]

Is GPR also practicable for locating bodies buried without coffins?

[@SerendipitySue]

Yes/No, it really can only detect disturbed versus undisturbed soil. Some times it can see the top of the coffin. Usually this information is combined with the knowledge that graves have a typical width, and that the coffin top is down a certain depth

[@coryulrich6489]

I've been watching your videos for years, I had no idea you were a ground keeper for a cemetery. It's so out of left field compared to your usual content

[@fredroosevelt9296]

In his real life, Chris is a jack of all trades masquerading as a retired engineer:-)

[@SerendipitySue]

I love technology :-) I just volunteer at the cemetery. I love History

[@truthhurts5158]

Can you tell baby graves from adult graves

[@SerendipitySue]

GPR detects the difference between disturbed and undisturbed soil. You expect to find graves at a certain depth and the pit a certain size. A child's grave pit may be smaller and therefore missed

[@ozgurpeynirci]

Can it detect burials from 2200 years ago?

[@SerendipitySue]

GPR only really see the soil disturbance where the grave shaft is. Modern graves are roughly 2' wide, so this helps discern graves. Some times you can see the top of a coffin. GPR does not "see" bones.

[@ozgurpeynirci]

@@SerendipitySue Thanks a lot! Grave size(Hannibal) and even location is unknown but I shall try combinations.

[@pauletxfish4976]

INTERESTING ! but lets back of the "mr Rogers" music some ? decrease the vol

[@cmwatters8483]

The music playing while talking was distracting

[@annesaunders3580]

I was so fascinated that I really didn't notice the music too much!