Travels of
a Tombstone
Tourist
Learning the Language of Cemeteries
with Joy Neighbors
Travels of
Welcome to A Grave Interest
I am a “Tombstone Tourist”—someone who finds peace, inspiration, and endless curiosity wandering through cemeteries. To me, they’re like open-air museums, filled with sculpture, stained glass, intricate carvings, and stunning architecture—all quietly resting in a serene, natural setting.
Over a decade ago, I launched A Grave Interest as a place to share this passion. Here, you’ll find stories that breathe life into the past: how to uncover cemetery records, read tombstones, and understand what these sacred spaces reveal about our ancestors and their times.
Each cemetery visit offers something unexpected—a piece of forgotten art, a hint of a long-lost story, a name that calls for more. That spark of curiosity often leads to the deeper research behind my blog posts, presentations, and historical explorations.
Joy Neighbors
Author – Speaker – Blogger
I am a “Tombstone Tourist,” someone who finds peace, inspiration, and endless curiosity when wandering through cemeteries. To me, they’re like open-air museums, filled with sculpture, stained glass, intricate carvings, and stunning architecture, all quietly resting in a serene, natural setting.
Over a decade ago, I launched as a place to share this passion. Here, you’ll find stories that breathe life into the past: how to uncover cemetery records, read tombstone symbols, and understand more what these sacred spaces reveal about our ancestors, their lives, and their times.
Each cemetery visit offers something unexpected; a piece of forgotten art, a hint of a long-lost story, a name that calls for more investigation. That spark of curiosity often leads to the deeper research behind my blog posts, presentations, and historical explorations.
Join me as we go exploring in the cemetery.
Speaking Presentations
In this one-woman presentation, “The Victorian Celebration of Death,” Joy portrays Edwina, the Edwardian Librarian as she explains Victorian perceptions of death and mourning.
With a Master of Fine Arts in Writing, Joy Neighbors brings cemeteries to life through powerful storytelling and in-depth research. She is a sought-after national speaker who has presented at major conferences such as RootsTech and Midwestern Roots, as well as numerous genealogy societies, historical organizations, and libraries across the country.
Whether you’re looking for a single lecture or a full day of engaging presentations, Joy offers a range of programs that educate, inspire, and spark curiosity.
Ready to schedule an event? Visit the Contact page to get started.
Joy's Books
Step into the intriguing world of Joy Neighbors, author, speaker, and passionate taphophile who brings cemeteries to life through her captivating books. With a deep love for history, storytelling, and the secrets hidden beneath the moss and marble, Joy invites readers to see graveyards not as solemn spaces, but as archives of the human experience.
Her latest book, Crown Hill Cemetery: The City on a Hill, offers a compelling look at one of America’s largest and most historic cemeteries. From Civil War generals to cultural icons, Joy uncovers the rich stories of the people laid to rest and the legacy that lives on among the stones.
Also explore The Family Tree Cemetery Field Guide, a must-have for genealogists and history enthusiasts who want to explore, document, and understand the symbolism and stories found in cemeteries across the country.
Whether you’re a curious traveler, a dedicated researcher, or simply fascinated by the lives of those who came before us, Joy’s books open the gates to discovery—one grave at a time.
Joy's Blog
Cemeteries are more than resting places, they’re reflections of art, culture, history, and the lives that came before us. On the blog, I dive into topics like cemetery symbolism, genealogy, death practices, and issues with current relevance. I follow what intrigues me—and often, it leads to surprising discoveries.
Care to join me?
Join "A Grave Interest Society" and Receive Exclusive Content
As “A Grave Interest Society” member, you will have access to special podcasts, including interviews with cemetery experts, special graveyard videos, cemetery cheat sheets, swag and more.
Become a Sponsor
A Grave Interest offers several sponsorship opportunities to promote your business. Contact us to learn how you can support the site and market yourself.
