In early 2016, I was hired to be the full-time historian/preservation manager of Frederick's Mount Olivet Cemetery. With over 41,000 interments, this historic garden-cemetery has an overarching theme of patriotism as it is the final resting place of "Star-Spangled Banner" author Francis Scott Key, Civil War heroine Barbara Fritchie and Revolutionary War commander and Maryland's first elected governor Thomas Johnson, Jr. along with nearly 5,000 veterans connected with every military conflict our country has been involved in.
In addition, the cemetery is a literal mirror on Frederick's past. Here we have the past generations of citizenry responsible for giving us the amazing place we enjoy today. This includes not only fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, but business people, politicians, craftsmen, artists, physicians and everyone in between.
Starting in fall of 2016, I began writing "Stories in Stone," a weekly blog featuring tales and biographies of those buried here in historic Mount Olivet Cemetery.These pieces are illustrated essays about former Frederick residents buried within Mount Olivet’s gates. Yes, some of these individuals stand out for their professional or personal achievements, while others can be remembered for misfortunes. All in all, most of those “resting in peace” just lived simple, ordinary lives. To borrow a line from George Bailey in Frank Capra’s legendary film It’s a Wonderful Life:
“Just remember Mr. Potter, that this rabble that you’re talking about...they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community.”
While I will occasionally touch on fore-mentioned local greats like Key, Fritchie and Johnson, I’ve been most inspired and gratified by researching lesser known folks, or individuals that shouldn’t have been forgotten over time but were. At least, I have the opportunity to introduce (or reintroduce) them to readers here in this fashion on our MountOlivetHistory.com website and our social media platforms.
I have a nice following and have been asked on occasion if I could write a story on someone not buried in Mount Olivet. I usually tell them that the series calls for me to publish stories on those in Mount Olivet as a mission of our Mount Olivet Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Fund. However, I have entertained projects in which I have been retained by customers to research and write about family members, company founders, civic stalwarts who are buried in other cemeteries outside my own. This allows them to put this content on their own family history, personal, or business website. Others just want the basis of something they can use as principal content in which to self publish a pamphlet or book for distribution to friends and family members. Businesses and civic groups have asked me to capture the essence of their founder(s) and/or outstanding past employees to present at commemorative anniversary events. In some cases, I've even been asked to create/present PowerPoint presentations (based on these stories) and deliver at special events.
In addition, the cemetery is a literal mirror on Frederick's past. Here we have the past generations of citizenry responsible for giving us the amazing place we enjoy today. This includes not only fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, but business people, politicians, craftsmen, artists, physicians and everyone in between.
Starting in fall of 2016, I began writing "Stories in Stone," a weekly blog featuring tales and biographies of those buried here in historic Mount Olivet Cemetery.These pieces are illustrated essays about former Frederick residents buried within Mount Olivet’s gates. Yes, some of these individuals stand out for their professional or personal achievements, while others can be remembered for misfortunes. All in all, most of those “resting in peace” just lived simple, ordinary lives. To borrow a line from George Bailey in Frank Capra’s legendary film It’s a Wonderful Life:
“Just remember Mr. Potter, that this rabble that you’re talking about...they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community.”
While I will occasionally touch on fore-mentioned local greats like Key, Fritchie and Johnson, I’ve been most inspired and gratified by researching lesser known folks, or individuals that shouldn’t have been forgotten over time but were. At least, I have the opportunity to introduce (or reintroduce) them to readers here in this fashion on our MountOlivetHistory.com website and our social media platforms.
I have a nice following and have been asked on occasion if I could write a story on someone not buried in Mount Olivet. I usually tell them that the series calls for me to publish stories on those in Mount Olivet as a mission of our Mount Olivet Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Fund. However, I have entertained projects in which I have been retained by customers to research and write about family members, company founders, civic stalwarts who are buried in other cemeteries outside my own. This allows them to put this content on their own family history, personal, or business website. Others just want the basis of something they can use as principal content in which to self publish a pamphlet or book for distribution to friends and family members. Businesses and civic groups have asked me to capture the essence of their founder(s) and/or outstanding past employees to present at commemorative anniversary events. In some cases, I've even been asked to create/present PowerPoint presentations (based on these stories) and deliver at special events.
"Story In Stone"
Fully research, write and publish a "Story in Stone" on an ancestor, loved one, interesting person from the past or other friend. Stories will include helpful visuals ranging from photographs to newspaper clippings and census records for those dating to the 1850 census and earlier.
These "Stories in Stone "will be hosted on the History Shark server on this site allowing social media linkage, and can be reproduced on a website of the customer's volition. Cost: $850.00 |
Obituary Writing
Whether you are "at need" or "pre-planning" for a family member, many folks struggle with writing an obituary. It is one of the most stressful things to be done at one of the stressful times, no less. I can help, and will gladly talk with family member(s) in pursuit of learning the decedent including things like family ties, past employment information, places lived, civic activities, hobbies and interests, accomplishments and achievements.
Cost: $200 |
Private Cemetery Tour
I'm no stranger to cemeteries and regularly conduct group walking tours of Frederick's historic Mount Olivet Cemetery, showing grave sites of interest and telling stories about decedents and markers. Along these lines, I have customized tours for the enjoyment of tourists, visiting geneologists and even local couples, small groups and families. (These usually run 2 hours in length, and can be done night or day, weekday or weekend.)
Cost: Varies $150 (couples/small group up to 10) $250 (Tour for up to 25 people) |