September 23 at 6:00pm — 8:00pm
Join us for an evening celebrating the winners of the 2026 Stewardship Awards from the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, Dennis Alonzo and Nathan Chapman for the restoration of the Jean Baptiste Gaudin Tomb, and learn more about the essential work of tomb restoration.
Michael Shoriak of Cypress Building Conservation will explore the history of the tomb in Donaldsonville, investigating the style and possible architectural influences, and share how his team analyzed materials and condition to restore this historic and important 15-vault tomb. He will also offer observations and advice that might help others concerned about the futures of their own family tombs.
An awards presentation will follow. Refreshments generously provided by Nathan Chapman and Dennis Alonzo.
This program is co-hosted by the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, Louisiana Landmarks Society, and Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents and Associates, Inc. (VCPORA).
Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation 2026 Stewardship Award
Jean Baptiste Gaudin Tomb
Dennis Alonzo & Nathan Chapman
Restoration of the c. 1840 Jean Baptiste Gaudin Tomb began in 2023 by current stewards, Nathan Chapman, and Gaudin’s third great-grandson, Dennis Alonzo. The professional services team of Cypress Building Conservation conducted a full-scale stabilization and restoration of the 15-vault tomb, addressing advanced material decay and threatened imminent structural failure from decades of weathering and environmental influences. The project was completed in 2025 with a report documenting the tomb’s stabilization process to inform and guide future maintenance efforts, showing Nathan’s and Dennis’s commitment to preservation.
