Emperor Norton’s monument, Greenlawn Cemetery, Colma. Photo by Loren Rhoads.
Cemetery Inscriptions, Epitaphs, & Symbols
Moderator: Anne Mitchell
https://www.facebook.com/groups/epitaphs/
531 members
Q: There are a lot of cemetery aficionado groups on Facebook. What sets yours apart?
A: Most of the cemetery groups I have created are related to specific cemeteries in my local area and one favorite (Lake View) in Cleveland. My most popular group, however, is “Cemetery Inscriptions, Epitaphs, and Symbols,” which currently has over 500 members. I also created Sensual Cemetery Art (only 165 members) to share some of the old and erotic statuary found around the world.
What sets mine apart? Hmmm. That’s hard to say. I’m not sure mine are all that different from others, other than they are focused or geared, for the most part, to specific cemeteries.
I also have a very small closed group called “Cemetery Sistas,” which consists of an “elite” (LOL) group of women from around the world who have bonded and become very close friends because of our love of cemeteries.
Q: Do you have a policy about what is appropriate to post?
A: The only thing I have asked in my Inscriptions group is to be sensitive as to how recently the person has departed before sharing their monuments in the group. I’d prefer, in this instance, that only the epitaphs/symbols be shared, sans the individuals’ information.
Q: How old is your group?
A: All my cemetery groups are over a year old.
Q: Is your Inscriptions group open to new members?
A: It is a closed group, but open to new members. I check the profile of each person who asks to join. If I see they have mutual “cemetery” friends, I add them without looking further. If they do not have mutual friends, I check other groups they are in, their cover photos, their profile pictures, etc. If I do not see anything related to genealogy, cemeteries, etc., I do not allow them in. I’m trying to avoid spammers. If I see they are in groups with non-English writing (such as Hebrew or Chinese), they are instantly rejected.
Q: Are you a member of any other cemetery groups?
A: I am a member of MANY cemetery groups … I would estimate approximately 20 to 30.
I have made absolutely WONDERFUL friends through these Facebook groups. It was a freeing experience to find that I was NOT ALONE with my deep connection and near-obsession of cemeteries. I live in a small town and am known as the “cemetery lady.” I’m not sure whether they are also implying that I am a crazy lady or not. Don’t really care. In general, too many people have misconceptions and ridiculous fears of cemeteries. They do not see the peace, the beauty, the serenity, and the history of them.
Filed under: Facebook Cemetery Group
