Mary Talk to Explore the Design and History of Cemeteries

The next Mary Talk will feature Professor of Historic Preservation Andrea Smith, who will present “The Design of Cemeteries and Gravestones” on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern). The program will be held online via Zoom.

Cemeteries are often viewed as somber or morbid spaces. Yet in the United States, they were originally conceived as the nation’s first public parks—carefully designed landscapes meant to inspire reflection, beauty, and civic pride. In this talk, Dr. Smith will trace the development of American cemeteries and highlight the architectural and artistic elements that define them.

Participants will learn why obelisks became such a prominent feature in cemetery landscapes, explore the distinctions between mausolea and columbaria, and gain a deeper understanding of how these spaces reflect cultural values and design trends. The presentation aims to provide historical context that can enrich future visits to cemeteries, encouraging viewers to see them not only as places of remembrance, but also as thoughtfully designed public environments.

Those who register will receive a link to access the livestream, which may be viewed either in real time or at a later date. Participants will also have the opportunity to submit questions during the program.

More details and registration is available online.