Historic cemeteries provide a unique landscape for the living to learn from those that came before them. Interaction with a memorial, whether a monumental stone obelisk or a humble marker, is a shared human experience where individuals encounter and make sense of the past. Often, these experiences can serve as a gateway into the field of historic preservation.
In recent years, a number of trades training initiatives (notably, the Bridge to Craft Careers Program at World Monument Fund) have offered the opportunity for interested students to explore and learn skills in historic masonry, metalwork and plasterwork in historic cemetery landscapes. This unique partnership offers exposure to immense architectural resources for students, and provides much needed support in the care and conservation of significant cultural heritage. HPEF has invited the following innovators to discuss and share their work:
Elimarie Garcia-Cosme is the Global Heritage Training Manager at World Monuments Fund (WMF). In this role, she collaborates with WMF's global team to guide the development and implementation of heritage training initiatives. Since joining WMF in 2020, she has supported international field projects and training programs across diverse cultural contexts, including initiatives focused on community engagement, climate resilience, and inclusive heritage. Elimarie holds a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida, and an M.A. in Cultural Heritage Studies from University College London.
Karina Roca is the Bridge to Crafts Careers Program Manager for the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans. She is a 5-year blacksmith apprentice and an advocate for the preservation of traditional building trades in New Orleans. As the Bridge to Crafts Career Program Manager, she is actively cultivating a pathway for participants to gain hands-on skills in the traditional trades essential to the stewardship and preservation of historic buildings. With experience in workforce development and the stewardship of intangible cultural heritage, she also seeks to build bridges between vocational skills and academic research. Karina Roca holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Peace and Justice Studies and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the Tulane University School of Architecture and the Built Environment.
Sara Lowenburg serves as the Director of Save Our Cemeteries at the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans . She has a background in nonprofit and cultural work, volunteer management, grant writing, and more. She worked in museums for over a decade before joining the PRC, including as Director of Education at both the Louisiana State Museum and New Orleans Museum of Art. Sara earned a Bachelor of Arts from Grinnell College in History and a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from New York University.
Neela K. Wickremesinghe is the Director of Restoration and Preservation at The Green-Wood Cemetery.. Neela and her team are responsible for all repairs at the cemetery from small monument resets to large vault and mausoleum restorations. She is a Professional Associate of the American Institute of Conservation and a Recognized Professional by the Association for Preservation Technology. She is an active member of the Preservation Alumni group for GSAPP and enjoys teaching up-and-coming construction professionals each spring as part of the Bridge to Crafts Careers workforce development program.
HPEF’s Director of Programs, Lauren Drapala, will be moderating this one-hour discussion to explore the unique challenges and opportunities of training in historic cemetery spaces.