Building on the insights shared in the virtual workshop, this in-person session at St. James Cemetery will give participants the opportunity to explore New Jersey’s folk grave marker tradition firsthand. Led by historians Gordon Bond and Stephanie M. Hoagland, the guided tour will focus on identifying and interpreting handmade markers found throughout the cemetery—often located along fence lines, in low-lying areas, or tucked behind more traditional monuments. Attendees will examine examples gaining a deeper appreciation for their artistic, cultural, and historic value. This on-site experience will bring the discussion to life, highlighting the stories of the communities behind these unique and often overlooked memorials.
This program was made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.
