Quotable...

"If you are walking in Charleston, you are walking on someone's grave."--Sue Bennett, Charleston tour guide

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Old Video Draws New "Spirited" Comments

What is that circled behind me???
A sharp-eyed viewer of this 2010 video I produced and put on YouTube noticed something going on in the background of my introduction that I never noticed before!

Check out the bizarre story on my "BirdsEyeViews" blog. 

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Final Video Project

Go here to view my final video project.

Final Video Project

Here is my Final Video for the Semester. It should help to give everyone an idea as to what we were able to see as well as what I thought was most intriguing. I hope you all enjoy.

End of Semester Video and Blog Post

Click here to see my last post of the semester and click here to see my video!

Semester Video Project

Click here to see the video I made!

Beyond the Grave: Video Project

Hey, everyone! I had such an awesome first semester at the College of Charleston. Click here to watch the video I made with all of my favorite pictures and memories of this class.

The Most Epic Epitaphs

Check out my Prezi here!

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Beyond the Grave 2017

As the semester closes I would like to invite you to watch a video I made that sums up my semester in this class here

Monday, December 4, 2017

RIP Beyond the Grave

To check out my final video project, click here!!

Beyond the Graves 2017



The end of the semester is upon us...
Talk about "first year experiences", who would have thought I would come to college and learn about graveyard iconology, the deceased in Charleston, and bereavement.  It was an eventful class to say the least and I am glad I had the opportunity to take part in learning far "Beyond the Graves."  Here is a short video recap of a few of the graves that most interested me and the moments we experienced together.  REST IN PEACE BEYOND THE GRAVE 2017

Year At A Glance- Beyond The Grave

Click Here to see my adventures with my 'Beyond The Grave" class at College Of Charleston!!
Thanks everyone for a great year!

My "Grave" Adventures

A Semester of Graves

Hey, come check out my final video on my adventures with the Beyond the Grave class!

End of Year Video

Click Here to watch a video documenting all the grave sites the class has visited over the semester.

Final Video Project!

Hi Everyone,
I have just finished up my final video project, which is composed with some awesome pictures that I have taken through out the past semester. What a wonderful way to recall all of the amazing things that we have seen over the course of the past few months. Click here to watch the final video!!
Thanks!

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Final Exam Study Guide- Test is Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.

There will be several elements to this test: terms/definitions, multiple choice, matching, lists, short answer and an essay. There will not be anything on this exam that is not included in this study guide.


10 Point Video Project: This is due at the start of the exam and should be posted on your blog and the class blog. If using Kizoa, slideshow must be properly embedded on your blog with appropriate set up writing, two/more links and label words.  With iMovie and other platforms, be aware that if your project exceeds 100 MB, you cannot put directly onto Blogger- you’ll need to upload to YouTube first. 

Ninety Point Final Exam Material To Study and Know:

Course Textbooks:
“In the Arms of Angels: Magnolia Cemetery- Charleston’s Treasure of History, Mystery and Artistry”  
  • Chapter 3, “Confederacy Legacy”- read about the six CSA generals at Magnolia Cemetery on pages 98-109- be able to match their names with their significant contributions or distinctions in the war/battles (students did in-class handout on this)
  •  Chapter 4, “The Children of Magnolia Cemetery”- review the array of illnesses and diseases that claimed the lives of infants and children in the 19th century, and be familiar with some of the statistical data given in the beginning of this chapter indicating the high child death rates back then
  • Chapter 6, “Epic Epitaphs”- know the origin of the word “epitaph” and the most common sources of epitaph wording (bible verses, poetry, songs, etc.) 
 “Stories Told in Stone: Cemetery Iconology- A Manual for Genealogy Research”
  • Pages 13-21, “Glossary of Historic Diseases”- know the name and description of the following 20 illnesses and diseases: atrophy, Bronze John, cholera, consumption, diphtheria, encephalitis, falling sickness, French pox, Grocer’s itch, infantile paralysis, meningitis, myelitis, palsy, paroxysm, scarletina, ship fever, smallpox, St. Vitus’s dance, stranger’s fever, thrombosis. Be able to match the disease with the description from this book.
  • Pages 22-23, “Glossary of Major Epidemics/Pandemics”- South Carolina is mentioned only once on this list. Know the year and the disease.  

Other Course Material: 
Extra Credit Blog Posts
Will be accepted until the exam day and time, but not after that. On the exam, you can list extra credit blog posts you have completed.

Final grades:  
Must be posted by noon on Friday, Dec. 15.



Monday, November 27, 2017

Richard Hutson: Charleston's First Mayor

To read about Charleston's first mayor, CLICK HERE!!!

Jennings Waring: Died too Young!

Click here to view my Old Charlestonian Project

The Luck of Queenie Bennett Finally Ran Out

Check out my post of Lieutenant George E. Dixon and the legendary lucky gold coin.

The Luck of Queenie Bennett Finally Ran Out

Robert James Turnbull:The Charlestonian Nullifier

Click Here to read about one of Charleston's famous lawyer and politition.

"Old Charlestonian"

Check out my latest Blogspot all about Langdon Cheves! Click Here!

Robert Rhetts

I chose to do my presentation on Robert Rhetts. Click here to find out more!

The Enigmatic Death of George Witte

Come visit my blog post to find out about the mysterious death of George William Witte!

Embedding Kizoa Slideshows

I am asking my students to write a blog post to set up the end of year slideshow they will prepare using Kizoa (or a similar platform).

A really good Kizoa tutorial is available here. Kizoa makes it pretty easy to embed projects on to blogs.  This is a production I created from photographs taken at some of the Charleston-area beaches last summer.


The Beach 2017

In Kizoa's "My Movies" part, go to "Add to Blog" link at the bottom of the screen. When the screen appears, click in the circle by "Old code for Ebay, Joomie, etc.."  then copy the code.

Next go to your blog, and start a new post. After writing some to set up what the slideshow is and what it's about, go from "Compose" to "HTML" at the top left of the blog writing template. In HTML, paste the Kizoa code to embed the slideshow. Then switch base to "Compose" to finish writing.


Accidental Death of an Old Corps Cadet: Old Charlestonian Research

Click here to hear about the interesting story of this former cadet's story!

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Prezi: "Victorian Splendor/Victorian Tragedy"

This Prezi looks at why so many of Charleston's old graveyards and cemeteries are filled with so many youngsters! Why did so many die so young?

Click here if you have trouble viewing this Prezi.

Prezi: Researching Old Charlestonians

In this Prezi are suggestions and examples of resources and the finds they can reveal when researching "Old Charlestonians" and other people who died long ago.

Click here if you have trouble playing the Prezi.

Monday, November 13, 2017

"We don't die, we just go to sleep."

To read more about Professor George Dickinson, click here.

THE COST OF DEATH

Come check out my blog on Dr. George Dickinson's lecture with our class!

The Fascinating Truth About The American Way of Death

click here to read my blog post on the fascinating Dr. George E. Dickinson

My way or the highway.

"Click Here" if you understand there is more than one correct way to get a job done. If you don't then click the link to better understand how you shouldn't be closed minded with the help of Mr. Dickinson

Mr. Dickinson Know's His Stuff!!

Wanna know what stuff Mr. Dickinson knows? Click here to find out!

George E. Dickinson's Death in America

Last class, we had the privilege of having George E. Dickinson as our guest speaker, click here to find out more!

U.S. Continues Cremation Trend

For the first time, more Americans are choosing to cremate their loved ones, rather than bury them.

In 2016, the U.S. cremation rate climbed to 50.5 percent, exceeding ground burials for the first time.  Japan, Napal and Thailand continue to the lead world with cremation rates that exceed 95 percent. Japan's rate was 99.97 percent in 2014.

Dickinson has taught at CofC for more than 30 years
College of Charleston sociology professor and "death, dying and bereavement" expert Dr. George Dickinson disclosed America's new cremation figure while speaking on Nov. 6 to Patrick Harwood's CofC class, "Beyond the Grave: What Old Cemeteries Tell and Teach the Living."

A big reason for the shift, he said, is the cost comparison. "With earth burials, the average cost is $10,000," Dickinson said. "Six thousand for the funeral home and casket, those are the most expensive parts, then embalming, the hearse (to carry the person to the cemetery), the cemetery plot and burial costs too."

In addition, many cemeteries require the casket be placed in a vault, so that's another big expense, Dickinson said.

By comparison, cremations costs are in the $1,000 to $2,000 range, he said.

The all-time-high cremation figure was reported in July by the National Funeral Directors Association.

This Wikipedia entry includes a table showing 2014 U.S. state-by-state cremation figures. Nevada tops the list with a cremation rate of 75.9 percent. Mississippi has America's lowest figure at 19.7 percent. At 38.1 percent, South Carolina came in at 38th on the list (which includes the District of Columbia). Western states have the highest cremation rates (more than 70 percent) while Southern states report the lowest rates (fewer than 30 percent).

The Cremation Association of North America predicts that by 2020, America's cremation rate will be 54.3 percent.

Dickinson called his talk to the students "The American Way of Death." He spoke of how Americans  tend to avoid death conversations and often use euphemisms instead of saying someone died. "Passed away, went to asleep," are a couple examples he shared.

"The all-American way to die is in your sleep," Dickinson said, "in your bed, in your home, having had a good day before."

But today's reality is that such as ideal way to "pass" doesn't happen for most Americans. "Eighty percent now die in an institutional setting, away from the familiar arena of home," he said. The two major causes of death in the U.S. are heart disease followed by cancer, he said, adding, "But both have dropped significantly in the last 15 years."

Dickinson told his young audience that there could even be cures to heart disease and cancer by the time they become senior citizens. "The longer we can wait, more breakthroughs are coming," he said.

Click here to see a previous post on this blog about Dr. George Dickinson and his views on life, death, and end of life issues.  He is the co-author of "Understanding Death, Dying and Bereavement," a book regarded as a seminal study of these issues.

Dr. George Dickinson can be contacted at the College of Charleston by phone at 843.953.8186 or email at dickinsong@cofc.edu.


Prezi Next Presentation: Cemetery Symbology at Magnolia Cemetery

Victorian-era gravesites are rich in iconography- symbols, motifs and other meaningful touches and flourishes.

This Prezi Next presentation showcases some of the examples of such symbolism at Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston's premier Victorian necropolis.

The Prezi can also be viewed by clicking here.



For instructions on how to embed a Prezi into a blog post as I did here, go to this site.

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Charleston's Confederacy Legacy (Prezi)

Charleston's connections with the American Civil War, from 1861-1865, are many.  This Prezi looks at the city's many "contributions" to the bloody and divisive conflict.  Click below or here to view this presentation.


Monday, November 6, 2017

Magnolia Cemetery

Here's my newest blog post about our recent adventure to Magnolia Cemetery. Check it out here!!!

Magnolia Cemetery Trip

Check out my blog post about my trip to Magnolia Cemetery here!

Magnolia Cemetery: Exploring Again!

Check out my new blog post about Magnolia Cemetery here!

South Carolina's Artistic Cemetery

Please go to visit my new blog post on Magnolia Cemetery. I hope you enjoy.

South Carolina's Artistic Cemetery

Memories of Magnolia

Read more about my experience at Magnolia Cemetery HERE.

Magnificent Magnolia

Come check out my blog about the Magnificent Magnolia Cemetery!

Adventures at Magnolia Cemetery

click here  to read about how last weeks visit to the Magnolia Cemetery went.

Magnolia Adventures

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Magnolia Cemetery, Click here to hear more!

Beauty for two is available now!

Click here to read up on the beauty of Magnolia.

A Day at Magnolia Cemetery

Click here to read more about my experience and impressions of Charleston's Magnolia Cemetery.

Magnolia Cemetery: I've been dying to go

Click here to check out my latest blog post about Magnolia Cemetery and my favorite monuments!


“Old Charlestonian” Research Project/Blog Post
“Beyond the Grave” FYE Course
Fall 2017
Due Date: Monday, Nov. 20
First Scots Presbyterian Church Graveyard


“Old Charlestonian” Project Guidelines
Due Nov. 13:  Write and turn in a typed proposal on the Charlestonian you will research and write about for your blog and class blog: who is this person, why this person, when did he/she live and where is he/she buried (needs to be in a Charleston graveyard or cemetery). 

In this proposal you do not have to answer all of these questions yet, but in your research try to find out when did he/she live and die (and how).  Include other details you know so far about life, occupation, family, achievements (and failures), legacy and any other interesting facts and tidbits. 

Describe the gravesite. What is unique, interesting or magnificent or artistic about it? Also, include research sources you have and will use to write a detailed article. Style and length should be similar to the stories I have in “In the Arms of Angels.”

Important Note: Your “Old Charlestonian” research project and post must be from a gravesite found at one of the graveyards/cemeteries we have visited this semester. It can also be from one in Charleston you visit on your own. See a list of six nearby graveyards on the syllabus. Subject must have lived and died in the 18th or 19th centuries. Subject can be a child or young person.

Due Nov. 20:  A 500-plus word story with two or more photos/visuals and two/more embedded links. You should use and site three or more sources and resources used to gather and write this post. Hit on the themes mentioned above, including why you selected this person/gravesite to feature. Attribute sources as newspaper and online writers or reporters would. Examples:
       “In a collection of her writings, Vanderhorst described in great detail the dangers and difficulties of living in Charleston during the Union bombardment from 1863-65.”
                       “A Tiffany monument, just like Magnolia Cemetery’s Witte one, can be found in Chicago’s Forest Home Cemetery. The monument marks the grave of Edmund Cummings, a real estate and street mogul who lived from the 1840s to 1920s.”  

Presentations: Each of you will come to the front of the class, bring up your Old Charlestonian, and briefly discuss who your person is, why you chose this person, what was interesting/unique/unusual about your person’s life and death (possibly), how you researched this person, and also discuss the grave site of the person.

###

The Place That Took My Breath Away: Magnolia Cemetery

Click Here to see the eerie yet breathtaking experience I had at Magnolia Cemetery last week!!

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Unearth the Holy City: A Trip to Magnolia Cemetery

If you dare, go ahead and read my views on the magnificent place that is Magnolia Cemetery! Filled with beautiful photographs and descriptions of three immaculate grave markers and ponds. Click here... 

Garden of the Dead: Magnolia Cemetery

To hear my thoughts on the great Magnolia Cemetery, click here!

Cemetery Symbols and Iconography (Image Writing)

Old cemeteries and graveyards, especially those from the 19th century Victorian era, are rich in symbolism. From crosses and angels to plants and animals, each has a special meaning. Though some symbols are up to interpretation, there seems to be a general consensus on most messages. The term "iconology" refers to the study, description, analysis and interpretation of icons.

There are many resources online and in books to help interpret grave site symbols, including this in-depth one that lists symbols alphabetically.  My "In the Arms of Angels" book's chapter 5 "Cemetery Symbology" samples symbols found at Magnolia Cemetery.  And our "Stories Told in Stone" text includes a "Glossary of Common Gravestone Symbols & Interpretations" chapter (pages 71-82).

Listing in Sharon Carmack's "Your Guide To Cemetery Research" 

This Prezi includes an extensive online piece on such symbols and their meanings.



This Prezi can also be viewed by clicking here. 

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Monday, October 23, 2017

Love Across the Border

Here is my ancestry project. I got to spend time on the phone with my grandmother, while she discussed a romantic tale about her parents. Click here if you want to hear a tale of travel and love.

Project: GO Family Tree activate


"Click here" To read up on My research of an ancestor or two!

Ancestry Project: The Courageous Life of Martin A. Macdiarmid

Click here  to check out my ancestry project on my great grandfather

The Foxhole House: Memories of my Great Grandmother

The link below will lead you to my ancestor blogpost.

The Foxhole House: Memories of my Great Grandmother

Check out my Ancestry Project

My post is called Mining for History: My Great Grandparents.

Wrongly Executed?

Find out about how my ancestor was wrongly executed during the Salem Witch trials at my blog!

Ancestry Project

Here's a link to my newest blog! Check it out and learn about my ancestor, Lottie Lee Gault Sellars!

The Luck of the Irish 🍀

click here to read more about my great great grandmother Mary Ellen Groden.

The Interesting Life of Thaddeus Haskell Shull

Click here to see what a son returning home to his funeral, a letter from a former senator, and cows traded for college tuition all have in common.

The Untold Story Of Anne E. Smith Jones

Click Here to see the interesting story of my 100% full blooded Native American Great Grandmother Jones!!

Miss Ruby's Large Life

Click here to learn about my great-grandmother Ruby's Large Life!

Ancestry Insider: A Blast from the Past

To learn more about my family-loving, hard-working, redneck ancestor, CLICK HERE!

From Strawberry Fields Forever to Florida Orange Groves

Click here to read about my great grandmother, Flora Silcox, a hardworking Native American woman from Georgia.

Friday, October 20, 2017

A Pioneer Woman

Click Here to read about one of my thick-skinned, no-nonsense ancestors.

Magnolia Cemetery Introduction

This Prezi further introduces my "Beyond the Grave" students to Charleston's beautiful and historic Magnolia Cemetery, a premiere example of a mid-19th century rural Victorian necropolis.



This Prezi can also be viewed by clicking here. 

Friday, October 6, 2017

Midterm Exam Study Guide

MIDTERM EXAM STUDY GUIDE- TEST IS MONDAY, OCT. 16, 6 P.M. 


Midterm Blog Component (20 Points)
Ø  4 Posts: About Me (expand on gadget version), Ruth Miller, St. Luke and St. Patrick Graveyards (10 marker types), Elizabeth Jackson CofC Headstone
Ø  Proofread everything and fix errors; have good headlines and leads, short paragraphs, two/more embedded links and label words
Ø  Blog Basics: About me with photo of yourself (top right or left side), three columns, these gadgets: page views (blog stats), follow by email, search this blog

Written Test Component (80 Points)
There will be several elements to this test: terms/definitions, multiple choice, short answer and matching. There will not be anything on this exam that is not included in this study guide. Your score on this test (number and letter grade) combined with a critique of your blog will determine your midterm grade.

Test material will come from the following sources:
Ø  Two course textbooks: “In the Arms of Angels” and “Stories Told in Stone” (specific page numbers to review will be given below)
Ø  Five Prezi presentations posted on the class website and linked below
Ø  Various other links indicated below
Ø  Homework handouts (2)- review all questions

Textbook Material to Study and Review:
“In the Arms of Angels: Magnolia Cemetery- Charleston’s Treasure of History, Mystery and Artistry”
Ø  Pages 5-6, “Rural and Victorian Cemetery Movements”- Origins, influences, era (span in years)
Ø  Pages 10-15, “Other U.S. Victorian Cemeteries” – Review common traits and design elements of these cemeteries
 “Stories Told in Stone: Cemetery Iconology- A Manual for Genealogy Research”
Ø  Pages 9-12,  “The History of Cemeteries & Gravestones” – study terminology for this type of research; European and Victorian influences on churchyard customs and the new, larger cemeteries
Ø  Pages 56-57, “Types of Cemeteries”- nine are listed with distinguishing characteristics/purposes
Ø  Pages 90-91, “Visual Guide to Cemetery Monument Types”- there will be a match the marker/monument name with the correct image shown on the other side of the page (review also the marker identification packet given before the visit to the two church graveyards)

Prezi Presentations and Other Links
o   Examine the map and know approximately how many gravesites are on Charleston’s Peninsula
o   Know the difference between “graveyards” and “cemeteries”
o   Carefully review “The History of Funerals link (three common threads for death and disposition of the dead; “Funeral Rites Through Time” timeline
o   Be able to describe a few of the unique rituals described in the article, “Slaves Brought Burial Customs from Africa to the United States”
o   Review the Wikipedia entry on the Victorian Era
o   Be able to match the country with the custom after reviewing “Fascinating Funeral Traditions Around the Globe” article
o   Know the different types of cemeteries- see pages 56-57 in “Stories Told in Stone”
o   Review factors that have changed U.S. funeral and burial views and customs
o   Know and be able to list several research tools and sites mentioned here
o   Be familiar with the Charleston firsts and other cemetery/graveyard distinctions
o   These will be matching: photos of the different markers on one side, the names on the other side, so be able to correctly identify 10 or more (see also pages 90-91 in “Stories Told in Stone”)
Test Breakdown:
Ø  Blog Quality                                                                                  20 points
o   4 Posts: About Me (expand on gadget version), Ruth Miller, St. Luke and St. Patrick Graveyards (10 marker types), Elizabeth Jackson CofC Headstone
o   Proofread everything and fix errors; have good headlines and leads, short paragraphs, two/more embedded links and label words
o   Blog Basics: About me with photo of yourself (top right or left side), three columns, these gadgets: page views (blog stats), follow by email, search this blog
Ø  Multiple Choice (15 questions)                                                      30 points
Ø  Short Answer (5 questions)                                                            10 points
Ø  Matching (2 parts)
o   Marker/Monument Types (15)                                           30 points
o   Funeral/Cemetery Traditions around World (5)                 10 points
           100 points 

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

A look Into Some of Charleston's Church Graveyards

Our Class took a trip to two of Charleston's church graveyards. If you'd like to read about my trip and the different types of gravestones I saw please click "here".

Monday, October 2, 2017

Ten Types of Grave Markers & Monuments

For my Beyond the Grave class we went to Cathedral Church of St.Luke, St. Paul graveyard, and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Click here if you want to read my piece about the different types of grave markers and monuments that I saw.

Who is Elizabeth Jackson? And Why is her Headstone in Cougar Mall?

Elizabeth Jackson Headstone 
Before coming to class I wasn't even aware that there was a grave marker located in Cougar Mall. But after doing some research I found out the grave marker belongs to Elizabeth Jackson who is the mother of President Andrew Jackson and died in Charleston in the fall of 1781. She is originally from North Ireland and immigrated with her family to the American colonies.

Her and her family left due to political unrest and religious persecutions against Protestants. According to the website "Strange History" Elizabeth and her family first entered Philadelphia and made the journey to the rural Waxhaw Settlement. The Waxhaw Settlement was located between the North Carolina and South Carolina border.

She later passed away from small pox due to taking care of sick Revolutionary War soldiers while abroad a British prison ship.Years ago her granite marker moved to the College of Charleston campus.Her marker is now located right off of Cougar Mall. 

Elizabeth Jackson Statue 
Not only does she have a grave marker located in the College of Charleston campus but she also has few a monuments honoring her. The first monument was donated by members of the United States military stationed at Fort Moultrie. The second monument is located in the Old Waxhaw Cemetery and then the Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated their own monument to her that is located in downtown Charleston's Washington Park. The reasoning behind Elizabeth having so many monuments is because she was an ardent patriot during her time who gave birth President Andrew Jackson.

We got GRAVE-T outlook on the Dead

Now, everyone has their opinions and is entitled to it, but Creep Blo Night Blog has the best opinions around!!

You can "Click Here" to read about adventures or information on a daily here! Don't be shy, click away!🔻😄👍🔻

A Trip too "Grave"? Nah

Click here to explore my latest blog post about our recent exploration of two of Charleston's historic graveyards! Thanks for "digging" into my blog, hope you enjoy!

Graveyard Adventures

Last class we were given an opportunity to go to a couple graveyards and search through the grave markers and observe and take pictures of all the different markers. click the link to find out more!

Scavenger Hunt in Charleston's Famous Graveyards

Check out my latest blog post here where I explore different grave markers in some of Charleston's famous graveyards!

First Experience in the Cemetery; We made it out alive!!

Last week we visited 2 of Charleston's old cemeteries! Click Here to see my experience and learn about the different types of gravestones!!!

Touring the Tombs: The Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul and St. Patrick Catholic Church

Beyond the Graves Field Trip: One
Hannah's Adventures


Monday September 25th my FYE Beyond the Graves class embarked on our first field trip to two well know Charleston graveyards.  Here is my blog about our experience and pictures of some interesting tombstones we saw.

Click here to read

Sunsets and Headstones at St.Paul and St. Luke Graveyards

Check out my post about my exploration of the St. Paul and St. Luke graveyards!

Exploring the Stones!

Some types of the most common grave markers explained and examples used on my blog. Check it out here.

A tour of the Dead; Watch your step!

Hey, go check out my blog on various types of grave markers in a few of Charleston's local graveyards! Click here to read it!

The Unique Gravestones Found Around Charleston

Gravestones come in all types shapes and sizes. After having the unique opportunity to travel to two church graveyards, I have been able to give insight into just what some of these markers may look like. I hope that everyone enjoys. To get to this post please click the link bellow

The Unique Gravestones Found Around Charleston

Sunday, October 1, 2017

I Made It Out Alive!!

I went into a graveyard for the first time this past Monday and I came out alive! If you are like me and watch a ton of horror movies, you know that this is something to be celebrated. In celebration I wrote a blog post showcases some of the awesome markings that I saw while I was looking through out the graveyard. Click Here if you want to read this awesome piece!

Gravestone Glossary

For more about the different types of gravestones found in Charleston, and the churches they can be found at, Click Here!

A Moss Graves Post

Click Here to visit the many types of grave markers that help tell the story of the people who have left this world.

Church Graveyards Full of History and Mystery

Students investigating the Cathedral Church graveyard
Our class visit to two old church graveyards just blocks from campus went great- the weather was nice, we heard from an archivist and even encountered an Outer Banks shipwreck tragedy.

We headed first to the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul on Coming Street.  The church and its graveyard date to the early 1800s.

Research Process: Interesting St. Patrick's Church Gravesites

This Prezi shows some of the different ways one can go about researching a gravesite to try to learn more about who is buried there, his/her life, family, and other things that can help "bring alive" the life of the long dead...

Click here or view below:

Monday, September 25, 2017

Ashley Cooper's Immense Influence Shaped Charleston and the Carolinas

Lord Anthony Ashley Cooper 
He was a man so important in the early development of Charleston and the surrounding Carolina colony that not one but two rivers are named for him!

In England's management of the New World that would eventually become the United States, Lord Anthony Ashley Cooper (1621-1683) was appointed Lord Proprietor of the Province of Carolina by King Charles II.

With his assistant John Locke (1632-1704), Cooper went about trying to get people from Europe to move to the vast Carolina, which then stretched from Virginia to Florida.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Inside the Impressive Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul

In my College of Charleston course, "Beyond the Grave: What Old Cemeteries Tell and Teach the Living," I enjoy taking my students to this beautiful church not far from campus on Coming Street.

It is the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul, which was completed in 1815.  It is Episcopalian (formerly Anglican) and has two names because, in 1949, St. Paul's merged with St. Luke's Church on Charlotte Street.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Types of Grave Markers and Monuments

This Prezi shows the most common types of markers and monuments to be found at Charleston area graveyards and cemeteries.  The presentation can also be viewed by clicking here.