Contact me: Laurel Mellien headstonesandhistory@gmail.com
The program covers the history of the tree-stump headstones and the wide range of symbolism carved into their trunks and branches. Occupations of the deceased as well membership in fraternal organizations are represented on the tree-stump stones. The history of the Woodsmen organizations who encouraged their members to select these rustic memorials will be discussed. The program was presented at the Association for Gravestone Studies 2014 National Conference.
Pushing Up Daisies
Perfect for Garden Clubs. The program reviews the history of the American Rural Cemetery Movement. Special purpose gardens in cemeteries are explored along with container gardening and grave plot plantings. Victorian flower symbolism on headstones will be presented. A short version of this program can be viewed on this You Tube link.
The Celtic Crosses of Chicago
The program tours cemeteries in the Chicago area that contain Celtic Cross headstones. The presentation delves into the history of the High Crosses in Ireland that the Chicago area headstones are modeled after. The meanings of the Celtic Cross sections are explained, and Christian icons as well as Pagan and Irish symbols are decoded.
Headstone Ceramic Photograph Memorials
The program presents the history of the photographic memorials placed on headstones and the significance of their use by varying religious groups and nationalities. Please enjoy the You Tube video showcasing my collection of these memorials picturing brides dressed in period wedding veils.
Laurel Mellien is dedicated to the research of cemetery art symbolism. With a concentration on the Victorian Era, Mellien will guide your group through the headstones. The programs uncover the hidden symbolism of these open air art museums and explains the history of the people laid to rest.
Laurel Mellien holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Crystal Lake Historical Society. Mellien has presented programs for libraries, historical societies, genealogical organizations, DAR Chapters, and Questers groups.
Contact me: headstonesandhistory@gmail.com
NEW! Cemetery Road Trip
In 2018 I crossed a milestone, I have visited 1,000 located in the Midwest, and this program presents my best finds. I will take the audience to burial sites of U.S. Presidents and Native American chiefs. Special cemeteries are also included in the program for example, Showman's Rest in Forest Park and the National Hobo Cemetery in Iowa. The stained glass windows in Chicago's community mausoleums and the mosaics inside of Bishop's Mausoleum in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Hillside are breathtaking. I will also entertain the group with an array of the most unique and amusing headstones that I have encountered during my travels.
The Art of Civil War Commemoration
The program discusses the origins and meanings of the symbols found on both monuments commemorating the Civil War as well as headstones of it's soldiers. GAR commemorative stained glass windows found in the Midwest are included. The program also presents the history of the government issued military headstones.
Cemetery Art Symbolism
The program focuses on the rich symbolism displayed in cemeteries of the Victorian Era. Headstone art during this time period was carefully chosen by family members to properly represent the deceased. Many clues about the lives of the dearly departed can be discovered by learning the language of cemetery art symbolism.
The Power Point Programs are approximately 40 minutes in length followed by Q and A. All equipment necessary to present the programs will be provided. Price for the presentation is determined by the amount of miles traveled to the venue.
Contact me: Laurel Mellien headstonesandhistory@gmail.com
Previous Engagements:
Libraries:
Huntley Area Public Library (three times)
Lake Villa Library (three times)
Harvard-Diggins Library (4 times)
Ela Area Public Library(twice)
Sycamore Public Library (twice)
Geneva Library Foundation (twice)
Fox Lake Library
Fox Valley/Dundee Library
Nippersink Library
McHenry Library (twice)
Algonquin Library
Crete Public Library
Burlington Public Library
Marengo Public Library (twice)
Riverside Public Library
LaGrange Area Public Library
Woodstock Public Library
Crystal Lake Public Library
Park Forest Public Library
Aurora Public Library
Fremont Public Library
Bartlett Area Public Library
Mount Prospect Public Library
Niles Public Library
Bensenville Community Public Library (twice)
Palatine Public Library (twice)
Cary Public Library
Skokie Public Library
Vernon Area Public Library
Helen Plum Library
Zion Benton Public Library
Historical Societies:
Arlington Heights Historical Scociety
Crystal Lake Historical Society
Huntley Historical Society
Island Lake Historical Society
Lake Villa Historical Society
Wauconda Township Historical Society
Bloomingdale Historical Society
Association for Gravestone Studies:
2014 National Conference
Illinois Chapter meeting
Indiana Chapter meeting
Del Webb, Sun City, Huntley:
Life Long Learning (4 times)
History Club
Genealogy Club
DAR Chapters:
Kishwaukee Trail Chapter (twice)
Signal Hill Chapter (twice)
Ansel Brainard Cook Chapter
Anan Harmon Chapter
Aurora Chapter
Fort Payne Chapter
Questers
Polly Crandall Questers (three times)
Leona Farms Questers (twice)
Clarinda Cady Questers
Spring Rock Questers
Joyful Seekers Questers (twice)
Ginger Creek Questers
Salt Creek Questers
Market Square Questers
Four Silos Questers
Garden Clubs
Wedgewood Garden Club (three times)
McHenry Garden Club
Countryside Garden Club
Genealogical Societies
Burlington Genealogical Society
Kenosha County Genealogical Society
McHenry County Illinois Genealogical Society (twice)
Rock Island County Illinois Genealogical Society
Crystal Lake Centennial Speakers Series
Dames and Courts of Honor/Daughter's of Indian Wars (twice)
Daughter's of the Union, John Butler Chapter
Main Street Orion
American Association of University Women, Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake Park District/ Lunch and Learn
The Gathering Lighthouse, Lombard
Crystal Lake Book Club
Fox Point Manor Retirement Home
Red Hatters of Aurora
Boy Scout Troop #15 Grace Lutheran Church, Streamwood
McHenry County's Tales of the Interred
The truth is stranger than fiction when local history is discovered among the headstones. Spine tingling true stories will be revealed from the pages of local history books and from the microfilm of area newspapers. This is the companion program to my newly published book, History and Stories of the McHenry County Cemeteries.
My newly published book:
History and Stories of the McHenry County Cemeteries
Take a journey through the cemeteries and burial grounds of McHenry County, Illinois. Explore the history of ninety-eight cemeteries located within the county. Discover evidence contained in history books of the Native American burial grounds that once existed. Stories of the early residents published in the local newspapers present spine-tingling tales of accidents, suicide, and murder. The book is an engaging source for anyone visiting the cemeteries or delving into the history of McHenry County.
Upcoming Engagements:
March 2, 2018 1:00
Glenview Public Library
Glenview, IL
program: The Celtic Crosses of Chicago
March 8, 2018 7:00
McHenry Public Library
McHenry, IL
program:The Celtic Crosses of Chicago
March 15, 2018 1:00
Lake Villa Library
Lake Villa, IL
program: The Celtic Crosses of Chicago
March 19, 2018 10:00
Kishwaukee Trail DAR Chapter
program: Cemetery Art Symbolism
May 23, 2018 7:00
Bensenville Library
Bensenville, IL
program: Cemetery Art Symbolism
June 18, 2018 7:00
LaGrange Public Library
LaGrange, IL
program: Cemetery Road Trip
June 20, 2018
McHenry County Retired Teachers Association
D. Andrea's Conference and Conference Center
Crystal Lake, IL
program: Tales of the Interred
May 14, 2019 10:00
Ruth Circle
Glenview United Methodist Church
Glenview, IL
program: The Celtic Crosses of Chicago
July 13, 2017 7:00