The Cemetery as a Social Document
Geography 137,

Introduction:
Select a cemetery which you wish to visit (temporarily) and study. As a result of this field activity, you will (1) prepare a detailed map of your study site, (2) analyze the data you gather from the gravestones in a spreadsheet program, and (3) write a brief report (2-4 pages-typewritten) which summarizes your findings.

While each study will vary in content and emphasis, the following rules apply:

A. Basic Cemetery Report:

  1. Cemetery Name
  2. Type: community, township, church, family, etc.
  3. Location:
    1. USPLS description
    2. Latitude/Longitude
    3. UTM
  4. Approximate number of total grave sites. Minimum number is 50. If your chosen cemetery is exceptionally large (over 250) you should select one or two sub-sections.
  5. Cemetery Age and Size
  6. Information on grave markers and monuments.
      styles and materials: commercial, generic, homecrafted, indigenous. symbolization and inscriptions (other than basic data entry) Unique shapes, sizes, designs and decorations
  7. Special monuments, signs, benches, statuary, etc.
  8. Structures: buildings, fences, gates, paths, roadways, etc.
B. Cemetery/grave site Map (minimum size = 8.5 X 10 inches)

Using graph paper, or a similar type of paper, construct a detailed gravesite location map of your study site. Your final map should be redrawn on another type of paper. Number each gravesite on the map and use this number in notes for recording relevant data. Include on the gravesite map the following symbols around the grave site number.

for veterans

for infants

for those interred during 1980 or later

Your map should include physical features and structures such as large trees, shrubs, newly-planted trees, flower beds, statuary, paths and roadways. Gather all of the necessary information possible at the site so that only one trip is necessary. This may require some time. Don't forget to make measurements of the site.

[Thumbnail-image]Sample Map! This image is 48k, so be patient while it loads.

All maps should include:

direction
scale- both RF and graphic
locational information....both lat/long and UTM

You may use color or shading to identify ethnic or racial composition, if you discover any spatial patterns with respect to race or ethnicity.

Fertility and Mortality:

Print the cemetery data sheet (sample online) to collect birth and death dates for graves in your site. Determine the mean ages at the time of death of those interred before 1920 and those interred 1960 or later. Exclude infants (deaths prior to one year of age.) What inferences can you make for any differences?

Use the data collected to prepare a population pyramid of the ages and numbers of individuals buried at your site. Use the techniques demonstrated in class.

Your final project is DUE ON NOVEMBER 1 and should include the following:

  1. MAP of cemetery with numbered gravesite locations marked. Maps should include DIRECTION, SCALE, LOCATIONAL INFORMATION, LEGEND and ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU FEEL APPROPRIATE. Final Map should be computer generated. Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3
  2. ROUGH FIELD MAP--Include your rough sketch field map in your final packet of material. The reason for including this map is so I can double check your scale and calculations. Sample Rough Sketch Map

  3. DATA LISTING-- Use the Online Form to collect your data or create a similar form of your own. This information MUST be entered into a spreadsheet program.

  4. REPORT (2-4 PAGES, double-spaced, typed, font size 10-14, margins not wider than 1.5 inches) summarizing your map and data.

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