Explore "Cemetery Art Symbolism" Nov. 19 at Geneva library

Learn about "Headstones & History - Cemetery Art Symbolism" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Geneva Public Library, 127 James St.

The Geneva Library Foundation presents an eerie, entertaining, and educational presentation on the rich symbolism displayed in cemeteries of the Victorian era - including our own Westside Cemetery - and the clues these symbols provide about the lives of the departed.

Laurel Mellien of "Headstones and History" will present "Cemetery Art Symbolism." She has been presenting on cemetery art symbolism throughout the Fox Valley area since 2004. Her work focuses not only on the artwork displayed, but also on the people laid to rest and how the artwork chosen to decorate their stones is connected to their lives. Throughout the course of her research, Mellien has accumulated a collection of thousands of photos from countless cemeteries in the Fox Valley and throughout the Midwest. She has produced several presentations on specific aspects of cemetery art, including Celtic crosses, Civil War memorials, and tree stump headstones. Her presentation at the Geneva Library will provide an overview of headstone art from the Victorian era.

The evening will include an introduction of the Geneva Library Foundation, the presentation of the speaker, and a question-and-answer session. This is a free event. Reservations are not required, but suggested. You can register by visiting www.genevalibraryfoundation.org.

The Geneva Library Foundation was established in 2005 as a charitable organization to provide support for current and future library materials, services and facilities. It is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. With a goal of raising $1 million by 2016 and $2 million by 2021, the GLF is committed to providing a substantial, permanent, and stable source of funds to support the Geneva Public Library.