Cemetery Craftsman's Founder

Jacob Domalewski is the founder of Cemetery Craftsman and a dedicated preservation specialist with a passion for protecting historic cemeteries and the stories they hold. A 2019 graduate of Hanover College, Jacob specializes in headstone cleaning, monument restoration, cemetery conservation, educational workshops, and preservation consulting. His work is guided by a commitment to honoring the past while preserving historic monuments for future generations.

Jacob's passion for cemetery preservation began in 2011 when he joined Stories Behind the Stones, a cemetery preservation organization. Since then, he has dedicated himself to learning the best practices of historic conservation and sharing those skills with communities, organizations, and families seeking to preserve their local history.

While attending Hanover College, Jacob spent countless hours working in the college archives, strengthening his appreciation for history and historic records. He also studied abroad in Vietnam, Bulgaria, and Cuba, where he explored different cultures and their approaches to preserving history. His education included an internship with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, where he gained valuable experience in cemetery preservation and conservation.

Beyond restoration work, Jacob enjoys educating others about proper preservation techniques through workshops and community outreach. He believes that every monument represents a life, a family, and a piece of history that deserves to be protected with care and respect.

When he is not restoring historic monuments, Jacob enjoys traveling, driving his classic truck, and participating in Civil War reenactments. He also serves as a board member for the Friends of Fairview Cemetery, where he continues to advocate for the preservation of local history and historic burial grounds.