The Gravestone Girls: Welcome to the Graveyard

Sunday, March 15th at 2:00 pm. Open to the public - Admission is free

at the NORTH HILL auditorium, 865 Central Avenue, Needham

Don’t be scared of those old cemeteries! They are unique and interesting places full of folk art and history found only in New England!

“Welcome to The Graveyard” is a virtual tour, taking us from colonial burial grounds, through the rural cemetery movement of the 19th century and into 21st century locations. This presentation will have a special focus on Needham’s cemeteries. It also examines why we have cemeteries and gravestones, why they look like they do, and how styles and art have evolved over almost 400 years.

This is a popular program that has been given around the New England area by The Gravestone Girls for almost fifteen years. The group regularly works with libraries, historical societies and genealogical groups, among others, to teach about the art, symbolism and history of these living history museums, located on everyone’s main streets and backyards. Filled with humor and history you’ll learn about your community and an art form.

The Gravestone Girls not only provide interesting historical cemetery presentations, they also create beautiful and unusual sculpted art pieces using the primitive art of original New England gravestones, as well as teach gravestone rubbing classes and lead cemetery tours.

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information about this program, or about the Needham Historical Society, please contact Gloria Greis at 781-455-8860 or greis@needhamhistory.org.