Reading gravestone symbols

Have you ever seen a symbol on a tombstone and wondered if it had significant meaning? For centuries, designs appeared on tombstones but, during the Victorian era, these symbols flourished and often contributed to narratives about relationships, military service, occupations, economic status, and social standing.

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, Joy Neighbors will present “The Silent Language of the Stones: Reading Gravestone Symbols” for the St. Cloud Area Genealogists (SCAG) at 7 p.m. This online event will be presented live for viewing remotely or watching with others at the Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave. S., St. Cloud.

Joy is a tombstone tourist with an avid interest in cemeteries, history and genealogy. She is the author of “The Family Tree Cemetery Field Guide,” writes the cemetery culture blog “A Grave Interest,” and speaks nationally about cemetery research. She edits the Indiana Genealogist, the quarterly journal of the Indiana Genealogical Society, and works as the communication director with Cream of Kentucky Distilling. 

The program is free to SCAG members, $7 for non-members. Non-members may pay at the door. The individual annual membership rate for SCAG is $25.

St. Cloud Area Genealogists 

Founded in 1973, SCAG is a non-profit organization that strives to make family history research an enriching and rewarding experience. This premier organization is for everyone from the beginner to the most advanced family historian. Our members research their ancestors from varying locations within Minnesota, throughout the United States, and from foreign countries.