Maine gravestones from the 1800s were decorated with snapped flower buds, broken tree branches, and cracked columns to reveal that those buried below died before their time. From lightning strikes to shipwrecks, accidents to disease―and even a sensational murder―there were many causes for these untimely deaths. Ron Romano uncovers how mysterious symbols, epitaphs, monument forms, and cemetery landscapes tell the stories of those whose lives were cut short. Following the presentation, copies of his new book will be available for autographing and sale.
Ron Romano is a national award-winning cemetery historian and guide and is the author of five Maine cemetery- and gravestone-themed books. He has designed tours of twenty historic cemeteries and has served on local and national nonprofit boards dedicated to the preservation of historic burial spaces and grave markers.
