Royal Oak Historical Society Speaker Series
“The Iconology of Death”
What does it tell us about people’s lives?
Iconography on gravestones can provide clues about the person buried in the grave. What do symbols like lambs, angels, crowns, or lilies mean? Does an open book have a different meaning than a closed book? Why are some urns draped with cloth? Answers to these questions were common knowledge in the 1800s, but have been
lost in recent times.
Local historian Don Drife will discuss the iconography and how regaining this knowledge will add to our understanding of gravestones. Don researches the history of Royal Oak, focusing on the early 20th century. His research on the Hamer family led to their inclusion in the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
When: Friday, May 15, at 7 p.m.
Where: Royal Oak Historical Museum
Cost: $15 per person
