The Association for Gravestone Studies

06/07/2026

T-minus 16 days until the 2026 Association for Gravestone Studies Annual Conference! What are you most excited about? Use to tag your posts and pictures!

05/20/2026

Unfortunately, vandalism occurs in cemeteries far too often. In Manatee County, officials have allocated funds to restore desecrated African American gravesites after vandals damaged burial vault lids, cracked concrete, and spray-painted headstones.

These graves represent more than burial sites — they are part of the community’s history, heritage, and legacy. Restoring them is an important step toward honoring those laid to rest there and ensuring their memory is treated with the dignity and respect it deserves.

Thanks to Shelby Bender with the Florida Chapter of the Association for Gravestone Studies for sharing the story!

Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to allocate $100,000 for the restoration of Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto. Last week, 17 gravesites were found vandalized at the historically Black cemetery.

05/07/2026

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION ALERT! Tomorrow (May 8th) is the last day to register for the 2026 Association for Gravestone Studies Annual Conference for the "on time registration price". Don't delay! Register now here! https://www.gravestonestudies.org/conferences/2026-registration

05/03/2026

Our April 2026 AGS Book Club has been rescheduled to May 17th, 7PM EST. We'll be reading Abandoned and Forgotten Cemeteries of Philadelphia and its Environs by Ed Snyder. We are also pleased to be joined by the author, Ed Snyder, during the session. Sign up here:

04/24/2026

We are accepting applications for papers and workshop proposals through April 29th - there are a limited number of spots for additional submissions. Questions? Email us at [email protected]. Learn more here: https://www.gravestonestudies.org/conferences/2026-conference-submissions

Please note: paper submissions, roundtables, and workshop proposals are expected to be of high scholarly quality, research-based, and are peer reviewed.

04/21/2026

Don't miss the last and final installment of First in the Grave! Join us to learn from Kurt Deion with Congressional Cemetery. It's not too late to register now and get access to all previous Zoom presentations. Register here: https://www.gravestonestudies.org/first-in-the-grave. See you Thursday at 7:00pm EDT!

04/14/2026

We are halfway through our five-part First in the Grave series in celebration of ! Join us Thursday, April 16th at 7pm EDT for James Madison & Montpelier!

04/09/2026

Tonight is the night! #3 of First in the Grave series, Thomas Jefferson & Monticello! See you at 7:00pm EDT! https://www.gravestonestudies.org/first-in-the-grave

12/02/2025

Join us this Giving Tuesday in supporting the study and preservation of gravestones—their history, their artistry, and the stories they hold. Your contribution helps raise public awareness, encourages documentation, and advances the conservation of these important cultural markers.

Give today: https://ags.wildapricot.org/Donate