Dig into Historic Cemeteries at State Library Author Talk

On Wednesday, February 15, from noon to 1 p.m., the New Jersey State Library will present a free lunch-time program, “Stranger Stop and Cast an Eye” with authors Richard Veit and Mark Nonestied. The program is based on their book, New Jersey Cemeteries and Tombstones: History in the Landscape, published by Rutgers University Press, which received the Authors Award from the New Jersey Studies Academic Alliance in 2010. 

The presentation is about the cultural history of New Jersey’s historic cemeteries and burial grounds from the 17th century through the dawn of the 21st century. It will provide an understanding of the state’s historic burial places and the grave markers they contain.

Richard Veit (right in photo) is associate professor in the Department of History and Anthropology at Monmouth University. A historical archaeologist, his research interests include colonial and modern grave markers, ceramics, and vernacular architecture. He is the author of Digging New Jersey’s Past: Historical Archaeology in the Garden State, and numerous articles on grave markers, historic ceramics, and historical archaeology. He is a member of the Association for Gravestone Studies, and is a conference co-chair for the 2012 Annual Conference in West Long Branch, NJ.

Mark Nonestied has been a staff member with the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission since 1991. He currently serves as the director of Exhibits and Programs for a historic site in central New Jersey. He is also a trustee of the Association for Gravestone Studies and conference co-chair for the 2012 Annual Conference in West Long Branch, NJ.  He has lectured widely on New Jersey cemetery topics.

Those wishing to attend this free program, should contact cwarrick@njstatelib.org or 609-278-2640 ext. 172.