A Walk Among The Graves

Join our teen librarian and cultural anthropologist for a guided walk among the graves in a local cemetery! Stroll down leaf-littered paths while learning about the social and material history of cemeteries, and the cultural practices surrounding death and burial in previous centuries. After the walk & talk portion of the event, a self-guided experience allows visitors to explore the cemetery and enjoy the solemn, haunting beauty of a graveyard on a golden October afternoon. This walking & talk is intended for adults 18+ and young adults 16+, and involves walking over uneven ground. Attendees should wear good walking shoes, and respect for graves and cemetery grounds is required. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted. Limited to 15 teen participants and 15 adult participants. The walk & talk and self-guided experience will only be offered in English. Advance registration required, opening in October. Graveyard Etiquette It should not have to be said, but let us say it anyway: avoid touching the gravestones as much as possible. Some are very old. You will find fallen gravestones – leave them alone and do not attempt to put them back up. But do not sit on, climb on, knock over, make markings on, or otherwise disturb any of the stones. There can be no running in the cemetery. Walk, both because we want to appear respectful, and because the ground is often uneven and the shadows play tricks here. No yelling or loud voices. While we want you to enjoy the tour and your self-guided stroll, keep your voices low. There is to be no drinking, no smoking or vaping. Do not leave any trash behind. There are to be no rubbings made of any gravestones. Rubbings actually cause damage to gravestones over time. It was once a popular pastime, but is now understood to be harmful. We will let you know places it is acceptable to take photos, should anyone wish to do so. No one wants to see their loved one’s graves appear in someone’s social media photos. It may help to consider yourselves ghosts moving among the graves. Do not leave any sign you were here. Understand that to do otherwise will mean being asked to leave.