Event Title
Oak Hill Cemetery: Grand Rapids History Lives Here
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
Purpose: Oak Hill Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was dedicated in 1859 and was originally two cemeteries. Both were rural, or garden, cemeteries that incorporated the natural landscape in their designs and were intended for use by the living while serving as locations to bury and entomb the dead. A study of Oak Hill Cemetery provides a rich nuanced history of the individuals and families who created the foundation of Grand Rapids as we know it today. The cemetery also provides a record of the economic and cultural forces that shaped these people, this resting place, the early years of Grand Rapids and the young American Republic. Procedures: This is a multimedia project using photography, video, maps, and print. Extensive research was done on Grand Rapids history, United States history, the Victoria Era and the development of cemeteries in France, Great Britain and the United States. A series of videos were shot at Oak Hill Cemetery on history and culture and an effort to restore the first mausoleum in Grand Rapids. Photos were taken over a period of about 18 months. Outcome: The finished project was contained in a large PowerPoint presentation using photos and embedded videos. The 14 videos are also posted on Vimeo.com and there is a blog for the mausoleum restoration project. Impact: The project visually documents Oak Hill Cemetery as it is today. The material gathered in this project will be provided to the Grand Rapids Public Library and other local historical organizations for non-commercial use.
Oak Hill Cemetery: Grand Rapids History Lives Here
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Purpose: Oak Hill Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was dedicated in 1859 and was originally two cemeteries. Both were rural, or garden, cemeteries that incorporated the natural landscape in their designs and were intended for use by the living while serving as locations to bury and entomb the dead. A study of Oak Hill Cemetery provides a rich nuanced history of the individuals and families who created the foundation of Grand Rapids as we know it today. The cemetery also provides a record of the economic and cultural forces that shaped these people, this resting place, the early years of Grand Rapids and the young American Republic. Procedures: This is a multimedia project using photography, video, maps, and print. Extensive research was done on Grand Rapids history, United States history, the Victoria Era and the development of cemeteries in France, Great Britain and the United States. A series of videos were shot at Oak Hill Cemetery on history and culture and an effort to restore the first mausoleum in Grand Rapids. Photos were taken over a period of about 18 months. Outcome: The finished project was contained in a large PowerPoint presentation using photos and embedded videos. The 14 videos are also posted on Vimeo.com and there is a blog for the mausoleum restoration project. Impact: The project visually documents Oak Hill Cemetery as it is today. The material gathered in this project will be provided to the Grand Rapids Public Library and other local historical organizations for non-commercial use.