7 March, 2012
The souls buried in Hopkinton’s nine cemeteries couldn't escape death but each has found a piece of immortality. Their lives will be remembered forever through their gravestones. Each stone tells the story of a life - and a time.
"There's a treasure trove of history right in your backyard," said Brenda Sullivan, a member of the Gravestone Girls. "There are 200 or 300 years of history buried under every cemetery. I consider it my job to get people out into the cemeteries."
Ms. Sullivan will be the guest speaker at 2 p.m. on Sunday March 18 at a free program of the Hopkinton Library and will be held at the Hopkinton Historical Society at 168 Hayden Rowe Street.
She will present a slide show and lecture on gravestone art and its symbolism and discuss the history of local cemeteries and the importance of preserving them. Their business promotes cemetery awareness and teaches gravestone history in an effort to connect audience to the towns they live in and to the ancestors who created them.
Part of her talk looks at the symbols on early graves, and what they represent. Some of these images may seem ghoulish to modern eyes, but imagery such as a skull with wings tells a story of the times.
Program is free and refreshments will be served after the program. No RSVP necessary. For additional information call Ray at 508-435-9865.
