I've changed the start date for reading this book to Halloween (October 31) -- it seemed appropriate given the topic! Discussion threads for each of the chapters and appendices have been added.

I look forward to beginning our discussion in a couple of weeks.

Liz

Your Guide to Cemetery Research looks like a fantastic choice for a group read book. Perusing the book, I see many unusual record types mentioned so I believe we will all find a new item or two to apply to our research. I've kept the reading to a minimum each week so that we have time to expand our knowledge through application and additional online reading.

Week 1, October 31 - Nov 6, 2009 : Chapter 1, Records of Death p. 1-26 and Appendix C, Causes of Death p. 234-243

Week 2, Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2009 : Chapter 1, Records of Death p. 26-46; Appendix B, Historical Time Line of Deadly Diseases, Epidemics, and Disasters in America p. 224-233 and Appendix D, Case Studies Using Obituaries as Family Histories p. 244-249.

Week 3, Nov 14 - Nov 20, 2009 : Chapter 2, Locating Graves, Cemeteries, and Their Records p. 47-80

Week 4, Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2009 : Happy Thanksgiving! There is only a light reading assignment this week - Chapter 3, Searching a Cemetery p. 81-110. You may want to read ahead if you will be visiting any cemeteries over the long weekend.

Week 5, Nov 28 - Dec 4, 2009 : Chapter 4, Bringing Home a Tombstone - Legally! p. 111-126 and Appendix A, Gravestone Art, Symbols, Emblems, and Attributes p. 215-223

Week 6, Dec 5 - Dec 11, 2009 : Chapter 5, Cryptic Clues in the Bone Yard p. 127-148

Week 7, Dec 12 - Dec 18, 2009 : Chapter 6, American Burial Customs and Folkways p. 149-170

Week 8, Dec 19 - Dec 25, 2009 : Chapter 7, Ethnic and Religious Funeral and Burial Customs p. 171-193

Week 9, Dec 25 - Jan 1, 2010 : Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! No reading assignment this week.

Week 10, Jan 2 - Jan 8, 2009 : Chapter 8, Cemetery Projects and Preservation p. 193-205 and Chapter 9, Making Cemeteries a Family Affair p. 206-214