taphophile (plural taphophiles)
- A person who is interested in cemeteries, funerals and gravestones
People often wander through old cemeteries, and they do so for different reasons. Some are interested in genealogy and finding ancestors. Some are interested in the history represented by the lives lived within the cemetery. Some like the artwork of the headstones, and some like the literary discovery of epitaphs. A few are either drawn to, or repulsed by the creepy factor of old graveyards.
Stone carving was an expensive proposition, and prominent families often sought the best masons. The most successful stone carvers were located in Charleston, but their work can be found throughout the state. The next RandomConnections podcast looks at the history of funerary art in South Carolina and some of the practitioners of headstone masonry.
If you are one of those that likes to visit historic cemeteries, please take a minute to respond to one or more of of the following questions:
What are some of the reasons that you like to explore old cemeteries?
…or…
What is the most unusual thing that you’ve found in a cemetery?
…or…
If you could design any kind of tombstone (for yourself or anyone else), what would it be?
The app below will allow a 20 second recording, and I will receive the response as an MP3 file.
Your responses will be used throughout the upcoming podcast episode. I appreciate your participation.
DISCLAIMER: Names will not be used in the podcast. You will be anonymous, except for the sound of your voice. I can even alter that upon request. I reserve the right to edit and omit as I see fit. I’ll do my best to to make you sound good, and I promise not to rearrange your words to make you say something you didn’t. If you leave your e-mail address, I’ll send you a note to let you know when your voice is going to be included in the next episode.