Dean Team Returned for Cemetery Task

Above, Robin Bowman, who initiated the cleaning project, returned to help it continue.

A gravestone preservation project at Franklin’s historic Union Street Cemetery continued on Oct. 5 through the combined efforts of Dean College staff, students, and community members.

The initiative, launched by Robin Bowman while she was at Dean College (she is now employed at Tufts University), involves cleaning and preserving historic grave markers in the oldest section of the cemetery. Dean faculty members, as well as Bowman, who returned for the day, along with Dean students and residents, participated on Sunday, Oct. 5

Bowman began the project after observing that many older grave markers were covered with dirt, lichen, and signs of decay. She contacted the Franklin Historical Museum and the Franklin Cemetery Association and learned that while volunteers maintained newer sections of the cemetery, no group was addressing the historic stones.

After obtaining approval from the Franklin Cemetery Association, Bowman arranged for proper training in stone preservation and secured funding for materials. The initial training for volunteers, faculty, and community members took place in 2024t, followed by a larger preservation event with Dean students in September of that year.

The project continues to focus on maintaining the integrity of historic grave markers while strengthening ties between Dean College and the Franklin community.

Recently, The Mary C. Morrissey Olsson Historic Preservation Award, was given to Dean College for its cemetery preservation efforts. The non-monetary award was established by the Franklin Historical Commission, in honor of former chairperson, Mary Olsson, a tireless advocate for historic preservation, to recognize an individual or organization that has made an important contribution to preserving, protecting, or communicating the history of Franklin.

Franklin Historical Commission Vice Chair Jan Prentice at work.

Dean student at work.