The Association for Gravestone Studies

n the AGS Archives is a collection of about 1000 books and many papers written on various aspects of gravestone studies. We are always looking for more books and information to add to this collection, with a goal of eventually making it the best repository of materials on gravestone studies that there is.

We collect books, journals, published articles, and miscellaneous publications on gravestone-related subjects. Primary sources such as gravestone carver account books, diaries, and letters are of great interest to us. Academic research reports and theses, cemetery association newsletters and guides to cemeteries, newspaper articles, computer disks and CDs of gravestone research, audio and video tapes on gravestone-related subjects, photographs, slides, and negatives, photographic post cards and printed funeral announcements are items we collect. We do not accept 3-dimensional items such as gravestones or casts. Nor do we accept rubbings unless the stone is now missing, or the rubbing was artistically significant, or the decedent was historically significant.

People can help make this an excellent repository by donating the above materials. Photograph collections of gravestones should have notations on each photo of the cemetery, the decedent's name, the dates, the carver, and any other information available. Those wishing to have their book reviewed for the AGS Quarterly will need to send a second book because we reward our reviewers with a copy of any book they review for us.

If you have items that fit the above description, which you would like to donate to the AGS Archives, please contact the Archivist, Marie Ferre, c/o the AGS office. Donors are asked to sign a donation release agreement detailing policies and any restrictions on the donation.

Members may visit the archives and access the books by making arrangements with the Archivist. However, no one will be allowed to leave the premises with any materials because books go out of print eventually, and we don't want to risk losing any of our collection. Under certain circumstances that do not violate copyright laws, some materials may be photocopied for a fee.

he AGS Archives serves as a resource for AGS members and acts as a liaison between members with similar interests, providing contacts and resources.

When information is available, the archivist can provide information on various gravestone subjects from a collection of books and photographs. When appropriate, the archivist can suggest others with similar interest and/or expertise in the same field. The archivist responds to written, email, and telephone inquiries. Members may access this resource by contacting the AGS Office. Members: Before you ask a question, please check Preservation, Symbolism, and More Information sections for FAQs that have already been answered.

^ Top of Page