GraveGeeks

Welcome to our community of cemetery enthusiasts. Join us in exploring the history, art, and culture of burial grounds.

Meet Megan!
In 2013, Megan embarked on a genealogical research journey, tracing her family tree through online resources, local library visits, and cemetery walks. This endeavor sparked a deeper interest in preserving the historical integrity of cemeteries, particularly those in her local community.

During a summer 2023 visit to a small city-owned cemetery, Megan observed the neglect and deterioration of headstones, including those of original landowners and prominent local figures. Compelled to act, she began researching best practices for cleaning and preserving historical headstones. Following protocol, Megan obtained permission from the city clerk to clean the stones in the cemetery.

What started as a solitary effort in one cemetery has expanded to encompass nine cemeteries across two counties in southwestern Michigan. Megan’s dedication to cemetery preservation has been further amplified through her engagement with the GraveGeeks community on TikTok. Joining the community in June 2024, she participated in weekly live chats and gained the confidence to attend in-person preservation workshops.

Through her passion project, Megan has developed a profound appreciation for the history of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo areas. By meticulously cleaning and researching each headstone, she has unearthed fascinating stories about the individuals buried in these cemeteries, fostering a deeper connection to her community and its heritage.
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#taphophilesofinstagram #cemeteryphotography #taphophile #cemetery #cemeterybeauty #cemeterylovers #tombstone #tombstonecleaning #cemeterylife #tombstones #gravegeeks

Would you want to be our next feature photo? We have decided to run a seasonal photo contest! Head on over to gravegeeks.org/gallery to upload your photos, view rules and conditions, and to see what prizes are in store!
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#cemetery #cemeteryphotography #cemeterylovers #cemeterywandering #cemeterybeauty #cemeteryshots #gravegeeks #graveyard #graveyards #taphophile #taphophilesofinstagram

Meet the second in command for #gravegeeks this is @tashasgraveadventures

Tasha’s fascination with genealogical research was rekindled in 2018 following the passing of her grandfather, which led to the discovery of ancestral documents. This experience sparked a renewed interest, prompting her to explore FindAGrave, where she has contributed an impressive array of nearly 21,000 photographs.

Through her research, Tasha became acutely aware of the neglect and deterioration of numerous historical monuments. In response, she and her mother initiated a research and cleaning endeavor in 2019. Their expertise and dedication earned them recognition as trusted authorities, with Rodman and Lorraine entrusting them with genealogical search requests.

Concurrently, Tasha pursued her academic goals, completing her Bachelor’s degree and subsequently enrolling in a Master’s program in Public History in 2022. Her coursework has focused on the preservation and history of historical cemeteries, further solidifying her expertise in this field.

Tasha’s commitment to genealogical research and preservation extends to her leadership roles within esteemed organizations:

1. DAR Chapter: Registrar, Historian, and Corresponding Secretary
2. New York State DAR: Vice-Chair for Genealogical Records
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#taphophilesofinstagram #cemeteryphotography #tombstone #taphophile #cemetery #cemeterybeauty #cemeterylovers #tombstonecleaning #cemeterylife #tombstones

The Cradle Grave: A Unique Memorialization Tradition

The cradle grave is a distinctive type of burial monument that originated in the Victorian era (1). Characterized by a gravestone, a footstone, and two low stone walls connecting them, cradle graves form a rectangular shape designed to hold plantings and flowers (1). This configuration resembles a bed, complete with a headboard and footboard, with the planted flowers creating a vibrant blanket of color and texture.

Cradle graves were not limited to specific age groups, although they were often used to memorialize children (1). The popularity of cradle graves peaked during the Victorian era, a time marked by elaborate mourning rituals and a deep appreciation for symbolic expressions of grief (1).

References:

(1)https://fomh.org/cemetery/cradle-graves/

Photos:
@beautiful_cemeteries_
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#taphophilesofinstagram #cemeteryphotography #tombstone #taphophile #cemetery #cemeterybeauty #cemeterylovers #tombstonecleaning #cemeterylife #tombstones #cemeteryphotography

Did you know we have a website now?! Come and check it out!! https://www.gravegeeks.org
We are very excited to have this amazing resource available for the public. It has a bunch of information about cleaning and repairing stones to genealogy research and help!
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#taphophilesofinstagram #cemeteryphotography #tombstone #taphophile #cemetery #cemeterybeauty #cemeterylovers #tombstonecleaning #cemeterylife #tombstones #website #new #amazing #excited

Meet the founder and driving force behind #gravegeeks , @crazycemeterylady. During the pandemic, she discovered a passion for preserving history while safely exploring the outdoors. Since 2020, she has dedicated herself to cleaning and restoring historical headstones, uncovering the fascinating stories of those laid to rest.

Through her TikTok posts, she not only shares the tales of the departed but also educates viewers on the art of cleaning and preserving local graves. Her tireless efforts are a labor of love, driven by a deep respect for the past and a commitment to honoring the memories of those who came before us.

A skilled genealogist and researcher, @CrazyCemeteryLady has expanded her mission by hosting weekly live sessions every Thursday. These gatherings aim to connect like-minded individuals who share her passion for cemetery preservation and historical exploration.

In her restoration work, she utilizes a careful combination of D/2 Biological Solution, water, soft-bristled brushes, and plastic scrapers to breathe new life into weathered headstones.
#taphophilesofinstagram #cemeteryphotography #tombstone #taphophile #cemetery #cemeterybeauty #cemeterylovers #tombstonecleaning #cemeterylife #tombstones

This is a GraveGeek named B cleaning one of his family stones in Michigan. He is using D/2 Biological Solution, water, a Tampico soft bristle brush, and a plastic scraper.
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#taphophilesofinstagram #cemeteryphotography #tombstone #taphophile #cemetery #cemeterybeauty #cemeterylovers #tombstonecleaning #cemeterylife #gravegeeks #grave #gravestone #tombstonecleaning #summer #missingsummer #tombstone #tombstones #tombstonecleaning

Come on over and talk about cemetery cleaning, tombstone cleaning etc! Follow @crazycemeterylady on TikTok to join for free! Please ask questions and engage!
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#cemetery #cemeteryphotography #cemeterylovers #cemeterywandering #cemeterybeauty #cemeterylife #taphophile #taphophilesofinstagram #tombstone #tombstones #tombstonecleaning #cleaningtone #history #grave #gravegeeks #gravegeek

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@gravegeeks

About

The GraveGeeks are a passionate group of friends and preservationists dedicated to sharing our knowledge, obtaining more, and inspiring others to appreciate the beauty and significance of cemeteries. We aim to educate and encourage volunteering for cemetery preservation efforts.

GraveGeeks wear many different hats. We are preservationists, educators, researchers, genealogists, and so much more.

If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact us.

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