Gravestones are a source of genealogical data, placement in the cemetery may show the family’s economic, social, religious status, and an individual’s importance within the family or community, also studied is art of the stone carver, literary studies and so much more.

Epitaphs are a focus of study for many reasons from deeply religious sentiments to unexpected humor. From rather pithy inscriptions we may know something of the lived experience of both the deceased and the survivors who cared enough to honor them with a commemorative marker and special plots of earth.

Anne G. Giesecke, Ph.D. and her husband Dan Steffen, Ph.D. will discuss their research in cemeteries from a literary and sociological perspective.

Join in the online discussion on Thursday, September 21, at 11:30 a.m. Register at https://unl.libcal.com/event/11055972 to receive the Zoom link.

Genealogy over Lunch is a University Libraries’ group designed to help individuals explore and organize family history, which meets every third Thursday of the month. The group welcomes all faculty, staff and students.