Cemetery documentation and language analysis : a case study at the Old Methodist Church Cemetery in Toms River, New Jersey, 2023

Item — Call Number: MU Thesis Mil

Identifier: b7931615

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The collection consists of theses written by students enrolled in the Monmouth University graduate Anthropology program. The holdings are primarily bound print documents that were submitted in partial fulfillment of university requirements for the Master of Arts degree.

From the Collection:

During the fall 2022 semester (in instances where the requisite waivers were received from consenting student authors), the Monmouth University Library, together with the University's Graduate School and Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences, began providing open access to select full-text digital versions of current theses and dissertations through links to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global website in the Library's Online Public Access Catalog. Links to these open access digital publications can also be found in the "External Documents" section under any conforming titles that are listed among the holdings itemized in the collection inventory for this finding aid.

Dates

Creation: 2023

Creator

Miller, Reagan (1996- ) (Author, Person)
DeRosa, Christopher S. (Thesis advisor, Person)
Fouad, Geoffrey (Thesis advisor, Person)
Heinrich, Adam (1978- ) (Thesis advisor, Person)

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

Unless noted otherwise at the resource component level, the language of the collection materials is English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use. Access is by appointment only.

Access to the collection is confined to the Monmouth University Library and is subject to patron policies approved by the Monmouth University Library.

Collection holdings may not be borrowed through interlibrary loan.

Research appointments are scheduled by the Monmouth University Library Archives Collections Manager (723-923-4526). A minimum of three days advance notice is required to arrange a research appointment for access to the collection.

Patrons must complete a Researcher Registration Form and provide appropriate identification to gain access to the collection holdings. Copies of these documents will be kept on file at the Monmouth University Library.

Extent

1 Items (print book) : [49 pages] ; 8.5 x 11.0 inches (28 cm).

Additional Description

Abstract

This study examines how global positioning systems (GPS) mapping can be utilized in cemetery documentation and analysis using a case study at the Old Methodist Church Cemetery in Toms River, New Jersey. Both the spatial data of the gravesites and the grave marker information were collected using a Trimble TDC150 unit over the winter of 2023. A digital database and interactive map were created using Trimble Connect and geographic information systems (GIS). A methodology was developed to record the geospatial positioning of burial plots and gather various attributes for analysis. These attributes include the language present on the grave markers to identify any trends within the cemetery or related to its affiliated religious denomination. Carefully crafted GPS data collection methods were employed to accurately record the number of grave marker types and individuals interred at this site. The data analysis showed that of the 371 markers identified at the Old Methodist Church Cemetery, there are 223 headstones, 143 footstones, 4 family plots, and 1 multi-complex markers. There are 19 identified veterans, three of which who served in the Revolutionary War. Varying epitaph types are present on 102 grave markers and illustrate a recurring theme of hope, relief, and acceptance. The most frequently used words include “memory” and “rest”. The ability to collect an abundance of data efficiently and accurately will benefit cultural resource management (CRM) and allow for formalized documentation of local-level historic cemeteries. The application of the proposed method in cemetery studies can reveal changes in grave marker styles, aid in preservation efforts, and present a broader understanding of the community that built it.

Keywords: Cemetery Documentation, Epitaph, GPS, GIS, Old Methodist Church Cemetery, New Jersey

Partial Contents

Abstract -- 1. Introduction -- 2. Background -- 3. Methods -- 4. Results -- 5. Discussion -- 6. Recommendations for future research -- 7. Conclusions -- References -- Appendices.