Tombstone Rubbings

Students of all ages can make tombstone
rubbings.   Include this activity in your
cemetery visit.



Large flat crayons work well for rubbings and are much less messy than charcoal or chalk. Use sheets of newsprint - ask for an end roll from the newspaper office (it's usually free).  Before going to the cemetery, cut the newsprint into poster-size sheets.  Soft brushes or cloths may be needed to remove dirt and moss from tombstones.  Never use harsh brushes or chemical cleaners. 

Give each students about six pieces of masking tape (place it on their wrist where it stays until they have chosen their subject) to adhere the newsprint to a stone with indented letters or decoration.  Rub the crayon over the stones progressively harder to bring out the detail and letters.  Some may wish to do a collage of decorations.   Use the masking tape to secure the rolled up rubbings for students to carry home or back to class.

The Cemetery | Field Trip Preparation | Symbols | Publications
and Links | A Visit to the Cemetery | Tombstone rubbings | African-American
Cemeteries