Is it illegal to do gravestone rubbings in NYS?

Question: Is it illegal to do gravestone rubbings in NYS!?

My husband and I are on a mission to try and preserve our local history for our kids and future generations!. We have encountered many historical grave markers at our local cemeteries, but do not know if it is legal to do rubbings of the worn ones!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

It's perfectly legal to do rubbings!. Just don't do anything that damages the stones and you're fine!. What kills me is when people go in with pencils and dig into the engraving trying to clean it out!. I've actually seen cemetary staff kick out "stone cleaners"!. Stick with crayons or charcoals and you're fine!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Can you not take pictures of the stones!? The you can also post the pictures on findagrave, as well for genealogy researchers!.

The rubbings may not last forever, but the photos online could!.
If the stones are very worn, try angle shooting, or spray with plain water and see if the writing is legible!.
Before you take pictures, you may want to check with the office!.
If the cemeteries are small, unkempt or "lost," check with the local county!.
You should check with each cemetery for their policy!.

Some may think the rubbings are harmful and not allowed!.

Good luck and have fun!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It would be illegal in any state to deface one!. Even if this is not your intention, some types of "rubbings" would fall into this category!.
Using shaving cream, which some people will give you as a tip, should never be done!. Putting a sheet of paper on the headstone and rubbing with a pencil or crayon should not be done on the old ones either as they are made with a type of sand stone and could chip easily!.

The best tip is flour!. This will bring out the writing where you can photograph it!. Even this won't help sometimes and reading with your finger tips is the only way to read the inscription!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

as long as it doesn't damage the stone, i wouldn't think it was illegal!.
i would take pictures as less to keep for future!.Www@QuestionHome@Com