Stone and Spirit Cemetery Preservation was founded by Laura Benson as a community support network dedicated to honoring the veterans, pioneers, and families who built Black Hawk County, Iowa.

Many of the cemeteries we work in contain graves dating back to the War of 1812 — the resting places of original settlers, early community leaders, and veterans whose stories are in danger of being lost forever.

Time has not been kind to these graves. Some stones have weathered beyond recognition. Others have sunk into the earth, broken apart, or disappeared entirely. Many veterans were never given proper markers at all, while countless family stones contain no military information, causing these men and women to be overlooked during Memorial Day ceremonies and forgotten in local history.

With support from people like you, we have already helped locate burial records and grave sites for more than 40 veterans who previously had no known stone or digital memorial.

Funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward:

• Building and maintaining a public website and digital archive

• Creating cemetery maps and searchable veteran records

• Restoring and repairing damaged headstones

• Replacing missing veteran markers

• Setting first stones for unmarked graves

• Preserving cemetery grounds

• Researching and documenting burial records

• Purchasing preservation equipment and supplies

One of our greatest needs right now is funding for proper preservation equipment and materials. Even a single 55-gallon barrel of VA-approved biological stone cleaning solution can cost nearly $3,000. Specialized brushes, lifting equipment, safety materials, mapping tools, replacement bases, and restoration supplies add up quickly.

So far, much of this work has been funded directly out of the pockets of volunteers who simply refuse to let these graves and stories disappear. But the need is growing beyond what a small group of volunteers can sustain alone, and we need community support to continue.

We also urgently need a permanent website and digital archive. Without one, many of these records, photographs, and burial locations remain inaccessible and at risk of being lost forever. A website would allow the public to search veterans, locate graves, read biographies, view photographs, access cemetery maps, and help future generations connect with their local history.

This work is only possible because of dedicated volunteers who care deeply about preserving local history. We already have community members helping research records, clean stones, document graves, and honor forgotten veterans — and we would love for you to join us. Whether through volunteering, donating, sharing our mission, or simply helping tell these stories, every contribution matters.

Every donation helps protect the legacy of the veterans and pioneer families who shaped our community and ensures they are remembered with the dignity they deserve.

All fundraising efforts strictly support veteran and pioneer graves in Black Hawk County, Iowa.

Please consider donating, volunteering, or sharing this campaign to help preserve our local history before it disappears forever.