Meet "The Gravestone Girls" Tuesday, May 21, 7pm

     On Tuesday, May 21 at the Dover Public Library at 7pm, cemetery historians “The Gravestone Girls” will present a virtual tour of New England cemetery art, history, and symbolism. Their 90-minute presentation, called "Welcome to The Graveyard", will be centered on local cemeteries and is built on photographs recently taken in burying places, particularly in Pine Hill Cemetery which began as Dover’s first public burying ground in 1731.

    The Girls, led by Brenda Sullivan, will explain why we have cemeteries and gravestones, why the stones look the way they do, and how their styles and art have evolved over almost 400 years. Brenda has been studying gravestones for nearly twenty years.  A lifelong Massachusetts resident, she has spent many hours in graveyards all over the world.  Her education in art history and restoration led to the creation of The Gravestone Girls whose mission, "Keep Our Dead Alive!", is accomplished through educational lectures, tours, and gravestone rubbing classes. The Girls also create beautiful and unusual sculpted castings of the primitive art found on the faces of old New England gravestones. Their gravestone art pieces are shown regularly at art and craft festivals.

      Brenda works with libraries, historical societies, genealogy groups, and museums to raise awareness and teach residents what history lies buried in their own back yards. She adds, “Almost everyone is interested in these peaceful and beautiful spaces, but may be hesitant to say so to others.  Our presentation lets you know you’re not the only one. Come see what we do!”

        If you’ve ever taken a walk through Pine Hill Cemetery and admired its beauty, you will delight in this presentation.  Visit www.GravestoneGirls.com for more information on their work. This program is free, sponsored by The Friends of the Dover Library. For more information about the program, call the library at 603-516-6050.