Ever wondered what it takes to bring an overgrown and forgotten cemetery back to life? Rachel Meyer and Josh Gerloff from Epoch Preservation (@epochpreservation) join us to share their incredible journey of transforming neglected burial grounds into beautifully maintained historical sites. Starting with Rachel's groundbreaking research, they moved on to tackling an overgrown cemetery in Gloucester using everything from scythes to goats. Along the way, they discovered the rich history behind their business name "Epoch," which, despite its pronunciation challenges, holds deep historical significance.

We also dive into the meticulous art of gravestone conservation, discussing the challenges of maintaining these historic sites in the face of climate change and other environmental factors. Rachel and Josh talk about their favorite gravestone iconography and the intriguing details left by unidentified carvers. They also highlight alternative pathways into the field, emphasizing the value of hands-on experience and community connections over expensive formal education. Their personal anecdotes add a touch of humor and humanity to this specialized field.

What would you want your gravestone to look like? We get creative and a bit whimsical in a segment dedicated to envisioning our own unique gravestone designs—from holographic markers to animatronic weeping angels. The conversation then shifts to the eerie allure of death masks and safety coffins, wrapping up with the poignant story behind the face of CPR dummies. Rachel and Josh's passion for their work shines through, offering a fascinating blend of historical insights, personal stories, and a dash of humor. Don't miss out on this engaging episode that brings the past into the present with a light-hearted touch!

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Topics:

Epoch Preservation, Gravestone Conservation, Cemetery Restoration, Historic Burial Grounds, Climate Change, Death Masks, Safety Coffins, Cemetery Preservation, Networking, Volunteering, Apprenticeships, Hands-on Experience, Community Connections, Creative Grave Designs, Burial Preferences, Death and Remembrance, Historical Insights, Personal Anecdotes, Burying Hill, Newburyport, Graveyard Preservation, Accessibility, Community Engagement