Week 8: Mount Auburn Cemetery vs. Old Burial Ground

 Mount Auburn Cemetery, although originally a farm, was established  in 1831 and consists of 174 acres of open, natural land. This cemetery is known in history as being the first official public park and started a movement for other gardens and parks throughout the colonies. More importantly, it is known for its stark contrast against older burial sites such as the Old Burial Ground. This is because Mount Auburn marks the beginning of a more post-colonistic burial style and a deeper change in priorities and mindset within the colonies. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Auburn_Cemetery

https://cemeterytravel.com/2012/10/24/cemetery-of-the-week-81-the-old-burying-ground/

The Old Burial Ground (depicted on the right) is a small, private, grounds in which bodies are buried under or around the churches. This style of burial limited the amount of people and type of people who could be buried and was thought to have potential health ramifications. Mount Auburn is a beautiful arboretum in which people are buried amongst open land and other memorials are set amongst flora and fauna. This caused a disassociation of death from negative stereotypes and also religious affiliation. Within mount Auburn there are also monuments such as the Sphinx statue that bring a sense of diversity and progressiveness to the cemetery. From this we can see that post colonialism there was a strong movement for religious and cultural diversity within the new country. 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmountauburn.org%2Fsphinx%2F&psig=AOvVaw2L2SHJgWrKplAKTSALLPDq&ust=1667164228281000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=2ahUKEwj4hJLurIb7AhXis3IEHS7GB_EQr4kDegUIARC2AQ

Another monument that reflects this change in time is the Civil War Monument in Cambridge Common. This statue was erected in 1870 and pays tribute to the Massachusetts soldiers who died during the Civil War. By creating this statue, Massachussets commemorates their role in abolishing slavery within the United States and shows their progressive position in terms of their stance on diversity and inclusion. 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhistorycambridge.org%2Fself-guided-tours%2Fself-guided-tour-monuments-and-memorials-in-cambridge%2F&psig=AOvVaw3YQoRmZa5DwG7BhcYUbI2l&ust=1667164175978000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=2ahUKEwjy2pnVrIb7AhXVvHIEHf9sCzcQr4kDegUIARDAAQ


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Week 6- The University, The Church and The Square

Image
  The history of the First Parish in Cambridge strongly reflects the development of the University and its effects on Harvard Square.  The First Parish in Cambridge was originally established in 1632 but it wasn’t until 1652 when the location next to Harvard College was established due to the fact that Harvard had not migrated to, what was then, Newtowne until 1637. It took many years after that until the fifth location was built in 1833; located across from, what were, the main gates to Harvard Yard.  This church stood as a pivotal part in the development of Harvard College and Harvard Square not only being known for its academia but also for its deep relationship with religion. In letters and documents saved from 1698-1700’s some argue that the reason the Majesty did not approve of Harvard College was due to this affiliation with religious ideals, particularly Puritanism and Calvinism.  The fifth church location, across from Havard Yard gates, served as the home of...
Read more

Week 5: Project Ideas

Image
 Idea 1: Transform Palmer Street into a space for creative expression; music, street art, sculpture,etc. My idea for this alley way is to have it be a creative space for artists in the square an on campus to express themselves. I think it would be great for these creative pieces to reflect Harvard’s mission for the year in order to connect the institution to the square. My idea would be similar to the Modica Way, pictured below. Idea 2: Adding features to JFK park to make it more eco-friendly, upgraded and more visitor friendly. By adding grassy mounds for seating, clover fields, native plant/flower species, and fixing the water fountain we can physically improve the space. Also adding historical signage that reflects the history of the land and sustainable ways to take care of it would add an educational aspect. 
Read more