The Association for Gravestone Studies

he Association for Gravestone Studies (AGS) was founded in 1977 for the purpose of furthering the study and preservation of gravestones. AGS is an international organization with an interest in gravemarkers of all periods and styles. Through its publications, conferences, workshops and exhibits, AGS promotes the study of gravestones from historical and artistic perspectives, expands public awareness of the significance of historic gravemarkers, and encourages individuals and groups to record and preserve gravestones. At every opportunity, AGS cooperates with groups that have similar interests.

More Information and FAQ sections are provided for the newcomer to gravestone studies. This section offers answers to basic questions about gravemarkers, such as, "Gravestone Rubbing Do's and Don'ts", "Tools and Materials for Gravestone Cleaning Projects", and "Symbolism on Gravemarkers". Our members have many areas of study or specialization and we strive to assist the new member in finding the information they seek in an efficient manner.

Membership benefits include the quarterly newsletter, AGS Quarterly and a monthly e-newsletter. Both feature articles, book reviews, research material, and items of general interest to AGS members. Members also receive Markers: Annual Journal of the Association for Gravestone Studies; discounts on AGS publications; access to the research clearinghouse and the AGS Lending Library. AGS has over 1200 members worldwide, including members in England, Scotland, Australia, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Canada, Japan and Brazil. Please see News & Notes to view the featured articles to be found in our next issue. Membership categories are discussed further in Join the AGS.

AGS Quarterly: The AGS Quarterly Editorial Board seeks feature articles from members. Send your ideas for feature articles to the AGS office in care of the AGS Quarterly Editorial Board. Members are also encouraged to send news clippings about gravestone issues.

Book reviews are also encouraged. To suggest a book for review or to ask about reviewing a book, write to the Book Review Editor, c/o AGS, 278 Main St., Suite 207, Greenfield, MA 01301, or send an email to info@gravestonestudies.org.

Markers: Each issue of Markers, the Association's annual scholarly journal, features definitive illustrated articles on many aspects of cemeteries and gravemarkers. It also includes the annual international bibliography, "The Year's Work in Cemetery/Gravemarker Studies." Markers seeks submissions from scholars and researchers in all fields. Contact the editor, June Hadden Hobbs, for further information and manuscript guidelines. Beginning with Volume XXI, each new issue of Markers is automatically shipped to members. Issues can also be ordered separately (see the complete list of Markers contents, issues, and prices).

AGS Monthly e-newsletter
The e-newsletter features announcements of upcoming events (AGS and gravestone/cemetery-related activities sponsored by other organizations), short articles, special sales, queries, and links to interesting websites. The e-newsletter is sent to all AGS members, but back issues can be read by all on our publications page.

Other Publications: The Association's publications also include A Graveyard Preservation Primer and the AGS Field Guide Series. These describe methodologies and techniques for recording cemetery data, restoring cemeteries and gravestones, photographing and rubbing gravestones, the use of graveyards as a teaching resource, and preparing legislation to protect gravestones from vandalism, theft, and demolition.

Conferences: An annual conference, held the 4th week in June, features lectures, guided cemetery tours, slide presentations, exhibits, classes, and documentation and conservation workshops.

This year's Conference and Annual Meeting was held June 17-22, 2008, at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Our AGS 2009 conference will be held at Union College in Schenectady, NY, June 23-28, 2009.

Research Clearinghouse: AGS operates a clearinghouse to assist members involved in research on specific types of gravestones, carver attribution, symbols and ornamental carving, epitaphs, and other aspects of gravestone studies. The clearinghouse provides information to researchers about others engaged in similar research.

Lending Library: For a small rental fee, the Lending Library provides to members books that are not readily available. AGS members include amateurs and professionals and public and private groups active in the fields of history, genealogy, anthropology, art history, religion, folk art, commemorative art, and historic preservation.

Archive: AGS maintains an extensive archive of books, manuscripts, published and unpublished papers, dissertations, photographs, field notes, and maps. Donations to and use of the collection are welcome and are arranged through the AGS office.

Awards and Scholarships: The Forbes Award is usually, but not necessarily, presented annually by the AGS Board of Trustees to honor an individual, institution, or organization in recognition of exceptional service to the field of gravestone studies. The award is named for Harriette Merrifield Forbes of Worcester, Massachusetts, who photographed gravestones and studied their carvers in the early 1900s. In 1927 she published a book titled Gravestones of Early New England and the Men Who Made Them which was the first serious study of gravestones in the twentieth century.

The Forbes Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Association. The purpose of the award is to formally honor, show appreciation for, and encourage outstanding work in the field of gravestone studies. To submit a nomination, please visit our Forbes Award pages.

The Oakley Award is presented periodically by the AGS Board of Trustees to individuals and groups that have helped to advance the mission of the Association. Named for long-time members Rosalee and Fred Oakley, the Certificate of Merit is designed to honor those whose work in the field of gravestone studies may have gone unnoticed or is worthy of recognition by AGS. The award consists of a certificate presented by the Board of Trustees as well as a gift of a book to the honoree's local library in their name and that of AGS. Whenever possible the award presentation will be made by a local AGS member. Each year's recipients will have their names printed in the annual conference book. In addition they will be acknowledged at a reception held in their honor at the conference. To submit an Oakley Award Nomination, please visit our Oakley Award pages.

The Barbara Rotundo Memorial Scholarship to attend the AGS conference is available to serious students who have evidenced significant interest in gravestone studies. Please visit our conference page for more information.

To request an application for next year's conference, write or e-mail the AGS Office c/o Scholarship Committee.

Above: Headstones from the Old Burying Ground
at Historic Deerfield, Massachusetts.

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