Dedication Plaques

Dedication Plaque

Plaques can be used not only as awards and memorials, but they can also be used as a permanent dedication to a person or contribution. Dedication plaques can be used for a variety of reasons and are often found at parks, hospitals, ships, historical sites and the like. The plaque attached to one of these places will usually reference the specific contribution that made its existence possible. For example, if a person or group donated a large amount of money or service to a park project, the park might have a plaque at its entrance that tells park users who contributed. Likewise, businesses or hospitals might have custom-made engraved plaques honoring the contributions of specific workers who gave a great deal to the furthermost of their field in general or to the establishment in particular.

House Dedication Plaques

It is not just businesses and public areas that can have dedication plaques, however, these special mementos can be custom made for any space and for any reason. Historical buildings and homes may bear dedication plaques mounted outside of them telling passers by what that building or home is important to the city in which it resides. Often times these dedication plaques will indicate that an historical figure lived or worked in that building and perhaps did important work there.

Personal homes may also have dedication plaques inside or outside. One lovely tradition is the act of planting a tree, bush or perennial flowering plant in memory of a someone we love or respect when that person has passed away. These special plaques may have dedication plaques placed near them to remind the person who did the planting and any one else who visits the garden of the contribution and continued spirit of the deceased person.

Outdoor Dedication Plaques

When a plaque is placed outdoors in the elements, it is quite likely that it will deteriorate over time if it is left unattended. Since many plaques are made of various kinds of metal, these metals can oxidize, darken, discolor, and fade when exposed to the harsh outdoors. Even simple rain and sunshine, not to mention pollutants, can cause a great deal of damage over time. Simple and regular cleaning and care, however, will prevent much of this damage. Metal plaques, especially bronze, require regular cleaning with mild soap and water. This should be done every two to three months depending on the harshness of the climate. Also, you should dust debris and animal droppings off the plaque as often as possible. The metal plaque has a protective finish on it that helps keep it from deteriorating too quickly, renewing this finish with a specialized wax whenever possible will keep the dedication plaque looking its best for much longer, allowing all those who read it to appreciate the contribution of the special individual it is meant to honor.