Library plans gravestone art presentation

WANTAGE — For centuries, gravestones have been used to tell about lives and families, using symbolism to spin tales of pride, mourning — and humor.

“Gravestone Art and Symbolism,” a program tracing the use of gravestones from early New England to the present day, will be presented on Saturday, Sept. at 2 p.m. in the Sussex-Wantage Library community room. The program will be presented by Lorna and Phil Woolridge of Wise Owl Workshops, and is sponsored by the Friends of the Sussex-Wantage Library.

The program will cover the progression and interpretation of early symbolism, from family burial plots to the elaborate rural cemeteries of the Victorian era and the memorial parks of the 20th century. Modern examples of memorialization and symbolism will be included, as will the changing techniques and skills required by the early slate and sandstone carvers, contrasting with today's techniques such as laser etching.

Punctuated by stories and stunning, moving and humorous examples from cemeteries near and far, the presentation will conclude with an opportunity for questions and a photographic tour of some surrounding cemeteries. It will appeal to both art lovers and local historians.

This free program is designed for adults, and space is limited. To register, sign up online beginning Sept. 1st at www.sussexcountylibrary.org, or call the Sussex-Wantage Library at 973-875-3940. The library is located at 69 Route 639 in Wantage.