Reading Between Tombstones: Interpreting a Historic Cemetery as an Outdoor Museum

Authors:

• Katherine Hinman, Master of Arts in Museology
• Chair: Lane Eagles
• Tom Easthope
• Manish Chalana

Contact the author

Abstract:

Cemeteries are uniquely localized and intimate forums for history education, yet they are seldom utilized as such. Furthermore, many American historic cemeteries lack context, making them less appealing to visitors who do not have pre-existing historical knowledge, thus often causing these valuable historic sites to face the threat of obscurity. This project aims to recontextualize an often overlooked historic cemetery using museological interpretive strategies in partnership with the community members that care for it. Focused on Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery Park in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, this project resulted in the creation of a digital guide designed for use on mobile devices for visitors to use as they explore the cemetery. The guide includes profiles of individuals interred in the cemetery, an accessible history of the site, and the story of its community caretakers. All of these elements are woven together in a curated walk through the cemetery, an experience designed to resemble a museum exhibit. Throughout the process of creating this guide, community curation was key, as the curiosities and experiences of community stakeholders were utilized to shape the story being told. This style of community based interpretation is well suited to historic cemeteries, and has the ability to help history and museum practitioners further engage with their communities and local historic sites.

Poster:

Download a copy of the project poster

Video Presentation