Many people visit Boston's historic burying grounds to see the monuments of historical figures like Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock, Crispus Attucks, Samuel Sewall, Prince Hall, and Cotton Mather. But few pause to read the inscriptions on the stones of other early “every day” Bostonians, whose names and lives are now long forgotten. For those who take the time to look and “listen” closely, these gravestones convey highly personal messages that not only reveal a glimpse into ... view more »
Many people visit Boston’s historic burying grounds to see the monuments of historical figures like Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock, Crispus Attucks, Samuel Sewall, Prince Hall, and Cotton Mather. But few pause to read the inscriptions on the stones of other early “every day” Bostonians, whose names and lives are now long forgotten. For those who take the time to look and “listen” closely, these gravestones convey highly personal messages that not only reveal a glimpse into their personal lives, but also the literature that they read, the hymns they sang, and the poetry that moved them. These stones also can tell us a great deal about colonial Bostonians’ attitudes toward life, death, and eternity.
Join burial ground expert John Hanson for “The Stones Cry Out” and explore the history and poignancy of the Copp’s Hill Burial Ground epitaphs, followed by a reception and multimedia presentation at the Old North Church, as we illuminate history through the artistic disciplines of poetry, verse, and music.
Ticket Options
1.) Cemetery Tour, Reception, and Lecture (4:00 – 6:30pm): Donate $20 or More
Guests will meet at the Old North Church at 4:00pm and then take a very short walk to Copp’s Hill Burial Ground for a guided tour with John Hanson. Around 4:45pm, everyone will return to the Old North Church to enjoy a reception with light refreshments. At 5:15pm, John will lead a multimedia presentation in the church’s sanctuary.
2.) Lecture Only (5:15 – 6:30pm): Donate What You Can
Enjoy a fascinating presentation from burial ground expert John Hanson at 5:15pm at the Old North Church. Guests can attend in person or livestream the lecture.
About the Speaker
John Hanson has been collecting and studying early New England epitaphs for years, examining where the verses originated, how their source texts were accessed, and the spiritual and commercial context in which they were chosen and carved on gravestones. He is the author of Reading the Gravestones of Old New England (McFarland, 2021), and has published and spoken extensively on his research. Hanson is a Massachusetts native and lives in Boston and the Berkshires.
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