The Gravestones of Early Long Island

The colonial and early national gravestones of New England and the Middle States are widely recognized as prime examples of American folk and vernacular art. Emblazoned with powerful iconography expressing cultural and religious attitudes towards death, resurrection, and sometimes lineage and status, they are among the most accessible, but often overlooked, colonial artifacts in the area. Richard Welch will explore symbols, sources, carvers and stylistic evolution and the cultural and religious attitudes which they expressed.