I’m Amanda.

As a child, I remember visiting the cemetery where my grandmother was buried. The gravel paths crunched beneath our feet, shaded by grand old trees. Crickets chirped in the background while my brother and I played nearby, careful to avoid stepping on graves. My mother would gently clean the headstone and place a new saddle of fresh flowers. I once asked her if it was okay for us to play there. She smiled and said, “I think they appreciate the company—and love to hear joy around them.”

That moment stuck with me.

Over the years, I’ve lost all of my grandparents to time. Most recently, I said goodbye to my paternal grandmother at the age of 95. She was my best friend and biggest supporter, and I will carry her spirit with me for the rest of my life.

Cemeteries have always felt like sacred ground to me—not just because of who's buried there, but because of the stories that linger in the silence. They're places of memory, family, and healing. Preserving headstones is my way of honoring those stories. It's not just about cleaning stone—it's about giving names back their dignity, about reminding the world that these lives mattered.

I created The Ohio Grave Project to channel my own grief into something greater—a way to serve the community and preserve its history. With proper permissions and safe, respectful methods, I clean and care for headstones that time and the elements have nearly erased.

This project is also about empowerment. I want to equip others to do this work in their own communities. Whether you're a curious individual or part of a local group, The Ohio Grave Project is here to guide you with knowledge, resources, and encouragement.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you have questions, want to get involved, or simply want to share a story of your own, I’d love to hear from you.

~ Amanda

This effort is dedicated to George, Frances, Eldon, Harriet, and Norma. You’ll be forever loved and missed.