Bath, Maine is home to an absolutely drop-dead gorgeous cemetery (or two or three…)! The big one - Oak Grove Cemetery - is one of only three in the state designed in the rural, or garden cemetery tradition that originated in the 19th century with Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA. Garden cemeteries were created to be enjoyed and explored by the living, with picturesque landscapes, meandering paths, and a variety of other fascinating features, like sculptures, towers, ponds, bridges, and gazebos.

Recently, Brightfield School asked Embark to offer a tour of Bath’s Oak Grove Cemetery for an evening all-school event they were holding (the school is right next door) and we developed a walk focusing on a mix of significant people and gravestones. Students had a chance to leave grave goods behind (gifts appropriate to the life of the deceased) and search for clues to unlock a mystery box.

Thanks as always to Joe Minott, a fellow Bath Historical Society trustee, who also volunteers a significant amount for Bath’s Cemeteries & Parks Division. I am now absolutely hooked on the power of cemeteries not only as a physical record of history, but as an opportunity to explore stories about the lives of “ordinary” people, especially women and children. Another chance to elevate and understand less heralded events and people.

We will definitely be looking to add this walking tour next year, in 2024, in partnership with, or at the very least, benefiting both organizations. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know details about this exciting new tour.