181 episodes

The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery is a podcast for cemetery lovers, preservationists, and even those who've never walked among the graves. Join hosts Jennie and Dianne as they explore old cemeteries and learn the stories of those buried within their walls. After all, every death had a life, and every life had a story.

The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery Jennie Johnson & Dianne Hartshorn

    • History
    • 4.5 • 50 Ratings

The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery is a podcast for cemetery lovers, preservationists, and even those who've never walked among the graves. Join hosts Jennie and Dianne as they explore old cemeteries and learn the stories of those buried within their walls. After all, every death had a life, and every life had a story.

    Episode 181 - Death's Garden Revisited with Author Loren Rhoads

    Episode 181 - Death's Garden Revisited with Author Loren Rhoads

    "I hope the adventures in this book inspire you to explore a cemetery. It’s good
    for the cemetery—and I promise it will be good for you." This is how Loren Rhoads welcomes readers to indulge in her latest cemetery book, 'Death's Garden Revisited: Personal Relationships with Cemeteries'. Loren, who is the editor, says the book is a "collection of over two dozen essays and more than two hundred photographs
    involving twenty-seven contributors, ranging from spoken word diva Lydia Lunch
    and artist/poet Jane Handel to ceramics artist Mary Jo Bole. The contributors
    included writers for the LA Weekly, zinesters, underground musicians, and high
    school girls." Loren, who is also the author of '199 Cemeteries to See Before You Die' and 'Wish You Were Here: Adventures in Cemetery Travel', joins Jennie and Dianne in a delightful discussion about the book and her relationship with those who contributed to it, and how her own relationship with cemeteries began and her Ordinary Extraordinary career as a writer of not only books about cemeteries, but also fiction in the realms of horror, fantasy and sci-fi.

    Now available on YouTube:
    https://youtu.be/DyJXVKcB6I0?si=7CylT2EYY6iyT8Yb

    To purchase an autographed copy of 'Death's Garden Revisited' click here: https://lorenrhoads.com/product/deaths-garden-revisited/

    To subscribe to Loren Rhoads's newsletter, follow her blogs or learn more about any of her publications, visit her website: https://lorenrhoads.com/

    • 1 hr 6 min
    Episode 180 - Whispers From The Tomb: A Tale of True Love

    Episode 180 - Whispers From The Tomb: A Tale of True Love

    Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of mystery and romance with Jennie and Dianne in the latest episode of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast featuring author Roy Widing and his captivating book "Whispers From The Tomb: A True Love Story Discovered In A Century Old Mausoleum." Join them as they unravel the secrets behind the magnificent Rae Room tomb in Portland, Oregon—an Ordinary Extraordinary resting place shrouded in history, romance, and intrigue. Delve into the little-known story of George and Elizabeth Rae, a tale of love, lumber, lucre, and lawsuits that spans generations. Roy tells how a chance discovery of this opulent mausoleum, open to the public only once a year, leads to a fascinating exploration of a bygone era, filled with courtroom dramas, buried secrets, and timeless love.

    Now available on YouTube:https://youtu.be/nIxbERDYwkk?si=ktxLvL_cH5t6nSSA

    To purchase Whispers From The Tomb as either a paperback book , Kindle Book, or audio book, follow this link:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/0615630561?dplnkId=a72da32c-479e-4cfd-bf39-4305759a8439

    To learn more about the book and Roy's journey, click here: https://whispersfromthetomb.com/

    • 56 min
    Episode 179 - Guardians of History Part 2: A Journey with Epoch Preservation

    Episode 179 - Guardians of History Part 2: A Journey with Epoch Preservation

    Dianne and Jennie are thrilled to continue their conversation with Rachel Meyer from Epoch Preservation. Join them for part 2 of an insightful two-part series delving into the fascinating world of cemetery conservation and preservation. In this episode, they discuss crucial topics like advocating for saving cemeteries, securing funding, leveraging social media for promotion, and the imperative mission of preserving indigenous, black, and emigrant cemeteries. Tune in for an enriching conversation that sheds light on the importance of preserving our collective history and honoring all the Ordinary Extraordinary resting places of our ancestors.

    Now available on YouTube:https://youtu.be/tGoB1_rM3Gc

    To learn more about Epoch Preservation or to contact them for help visit their website: https://epochpreservation.com/

    Follow Epoch Preservation on Social Media:
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/epochpreservation?igsh=MWd2aWwzYnl3OGloYw==

    Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/LVt5J9vLe7S6ZZkb/?mibextid=qi2Omg

    • 52 min
    Episode 178 - Guardians of History Part 1: A Journey with Epoch Preservation

    Episode 178 - Guardians of History Part 1: A Journey with Epoch Preservation

    Dianne and Jennie are thrilled to welcome Rachel Meyer from Epoch Preservation as this week's special guest. Join them for part 1 of an insightful two-part series delving into the fascinating world of cemetery conservation and preservation.

    Discover the remarkable journey of Epoch Preservation, a leading gravestone conservation business based in Massachusetts. From humble beginnings to becoming pioneers in the field, Rachel shares their inspiring story rooted in a passion for preserving historic burying grounds and their invaluable artifacts.  Hear how their Ordinary Extraordinary origin tale unfolds, starting with a single cemetery in desperate need of preservation, ultimately blossoming into a thriving preservation venture across New England and beyond.

    Now available on YouTube:https://youtu.be/8QWw_iO2YpQ?si=WeYE26GgXgKOqQT8

    To learn more about Epoch Preservation or to contact them for help visit their website: https://epochpreservation.com/

    Follow Epoch Preservation on Social Media:
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/epochpreservation?igsh=MWd2aWwzYnl3OGloYw==

    Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/LVt5J9vLe7S6ZZkb/?mibextid=qi2Omg

    • 58 min
    Episode 177 - Unveiling the True Legacy of Louise Sneed Hill

    Episode 177 - Unveiling the True Legacy of Louise Sneed Hill

    Join Jennie and Dianne on an enlightening journey through history with the author of "The Queen of Denver: Louise Sneed Hill and the Emergence of Modern High Society" Shelby Carr.  In this captivating follow-up to Episode 127, Shelby, who is the leading historian on Louise Sneed Hill, joins us to set the record straight and correct misconceptions about the woman who took charge of Denver's high society social circles that included the who's who of Denver's wealthiest and most influential people at the turn of the 20th century. With her expertise in American history and genealogical research, Shelby sheds light on the Ordinary Extraordinary woman behind the legend uncovering the truth and celebrating her enduring contributions to history.

    Now available on YouTube:
    https://youtu.be/R4aSQaxh84I?si=g_gNhtz2fiHKm7c2

    To learn more about Shelby Carr or to purchase her book visit her website:  https://shelbyncarr.com/

    • 1 hr 9 min
    Episode 176 Part 2: Cemeteries of the Honorable, Forgotten and Unknown with Avrohom Krauss

    Episode 176 Part 2: Cemeteries of the Honorable, Forgotten and Unknown with Avrohom Krauss

    Join Jennie and Dianne, along with returning guest Avrohom Krauss, as they continue their exploration into the world of Ordinary Extraordinary Jewish cemetery sites. This week, they delve deeper into the topics of desecration and preservation of these sacred spaces, shedding light on the importance of honoring the memory of those laid to rest. In a time when our world is once more grappling with the ravages of war and animosity, their discussion on Holocaust memorials around the globe serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of intolerance and injustice.

    Available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sI1TQAwpwuo

    The Hebrew Free Burial Association  https://www.hebrewfreeburial.org/who-we-are/

    Holocaust Memorials Featured in this episode:
    https://www.museumoffamilyhistory.com/hm-eishishok-uh.htm
    https://nycemetery.wordpress.com/2021/02/23/united-hebrew-cemetery/
    https://diasporayeshiva.org/holocaust-chamber/
    https://www.yadvashem.org/
    https://www.seetheholyland.net/schindlers-grave/

    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
50 Ratings

50 Ratings

riddikuluspatronus1 ,

Very informative!

Really interesting episodes. If you like cemeteries this is the podcast for you. Very interesting stories and perspectives. The new episode in honor of Veterans Day was great. Really made me think about the lives that Vietnam took. Really hit home for me. Very powerful pod. Great content and personal stories. Looking forward to more.

Streetwise Old Lady ,

Taphophiles Unite!

Thank you for bringing the local history of so many to us. I have always loved visiting cemeteries and researching the history of the people buried there. It’s wonderful to know of others like me and to hear the stories of cemeteries that I now want to visit. Thank you!

GraveYardLover ,

Love it!

Thank you for giving names back to those who may have been lost to history. I love the pod cast! Keep up the good work!

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