Exploring Gravestone Symbolism with Mary Schwebach
The Johnny Spaulding Questers group is set to gather for their monthly meeting on May 21, 9:30 at St James Episcopal Hall, an event promising to blend history, artistry, and cultural exploration. The meeting will feature a captivating program led by Mary Schwebach, an expert in gravestone symbolism, who hails from Flandreau, South Dakota.
Gravestones are more than markers of the deceased; they tell stories of lives lived, beliefs held, and eras long past. Mary Schwebach’s program will delve deep into the art and meaning behind gravestone symbolism. From intricate carvings to subtle inscriptions, she will guide attendees on a journey through the ways these enduring monuments reflect cultural values, religious ideologies, and personal identities. Attendees will learn to decode symbols such as angels, flowers, urns, and more, each imbued with historical significance. Mary Schwebach brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her program on gravestone symbolism. Her expertise in this unique field has been honed through years of research into cemetery art and historical records.
The Johnny Spaulding Questers group is part of a larger organization dedicated to preserving and studying historical artifacts and sites. Through programs like this one, the group fosters a spirit of curiosity and respect for the past, bringing community members together to share knowledge and appre- ciation for history. The May 21 meeting is not only an opportunity to learn but also to connect with like-minded individuals who value the stories embedded in the world around us.
The meeting will take place May 21 in the Belle Fourche at St James Episcopal hall. Coffee and treats will be served at 9:30 before the program be- ginning at 10 am. The public is welcome.
THE QUESTERS organization keeps history alive through preservation, restoration, and education. A member is excited by historical sites, museums, artifacts, and the study of past events which continue to resonate in one’s present and past experiences. Questers with collections love to show them and share their history with other Questers.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
