History 21 The Podcast - 3.08 Cemetery Tours Behind the Scenes
The ACHS Cemetery Tours are back by popular demand this spring! But what does it take to organize, research, and put on a tour? Go behind-the-scenes with Daryl Lawrence and Sara Given as they share the winding road that ends at Glen Cary Cemetery in Ham Lake and Forest Hills Cemetery in Anoka.
Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.
Glen Cary Cemetery, Ham Lake
Glen Cary Cemetery is a part of the Glen Cary Lutheran Church, which was founded in 1870 in Ham Lake. Known as the “Norwegian Church” many of the stories of people buried here began in Norway. Hear their stories, and keep their memories alive.
Included on the tour:
Christ & Anna Gillund
Mads Gilbertson
Three generations of Titterud’s
Members of the Olson Family
And more!
Forest Hill Cemetery, Anoka
The second Cemetery in the City of Anoka, Forest Hill received its first internment in 1890 and has grown to house over 8,000 past residents. Join a tour guide and hear stories about original settlers, Civil War Veterans, past businesses, and even a murder suspect.
Included on the Tour:
Mary Woodbury Caswell
Albert Pratt
A parcel of Ticknor’s
George Goodrich
A monument to the Grand Army of the Republic
And more!
Anoka County Library Minute
Further Reading:
After spending a summer working at his hometown cemetery, author Greg Melville cultivated a newfound interest in cemeteries and the stories they tell. He set out to learn about the history of cemeteries, which culminates in this book filled with historical and sociological insights.
199 Cemeteries to See Before You Die by Loren Rhoads (363.75 RHO)
In this travel guidebook, readers can learn about cemeteries from around the world and the reasons many flock to see them – from the beautiful surrounding landscapes to the notable residents. Filled with color photographs, this book brings to life some of the most unique locations for laying the dead to rest.
Rachel, being the daughter of a gravedigger in Waseca, Minnesota, grew up in and around cemeteries. But when her father suddenly passes away, death and grief take on new meaning. This book is both a poignant memoir and a “masterful meditation on the living elements of our cemeteries: our neighbors, friends, and families—the very histories of our towns and cities”.
This book gives a genealogical take on cemeteries. For the family historian hoping to track down their ancestors’ grave sites, this book guides readers through the process.
Last Rites: the evolution of the American funeral by Todd Harra (393.93 HAR)
This book covers a myriad of subjects including how American rituals borrowed from older traditions around the world, how the burials of famous people impacted our traditions, how cultural and societal changes impact our burials, and so much more.
After Life: ways we think about death by Merrie-Ellen Wilcox (J155.937 WIL)
In this middle grade book, children can learn about one of life’s most difficult eventualities from both a scientific and cultural standpoint. Each chapter includes information about various death legends, myths or histories, as well as information about grief and how to support ourselves and others dealing with it.
The author of this book compiles funeral director interviews, historical events and other primary sources to a more charitable look at the American funeral home amid passionate criticisms. For example, while some consider open caskets barbaric, he makes the case that they are, in fact, deeply meaningful for loved ones.
While a book about professions dealing with death may sound rather macabre, reviewers of Campbell’s book often describe her writing as moving, compassionate, honest, and even unexpectedly funny. All this careful examination into the business of death leads to some intriguing existential insights.
Heartwood: the art of living with the end in mind by Barbara Becker (306.9 BEC)
In this memoir, the author explores what would happen if we were to live our lives turning toward loss, instead of away. The central metaphor of the book does well to illustrate the theme – “just as with the heartwood of a tree―the central core that is no longer alive yet supports the newer growth rings―the dead become an enduring source of strength to the living”.