I LOVE cemeteries. I love to just wander through them, enjoy the solitude, look at the epitaphs, and think about the lives they’re trying to sum up in just a few words. They’re so peaceful, the perfect place for silent reflection.
That’s why I’m particularly interested in a new book recently published by Webster author Jane Hopkins, called Buried Rochester, New York Area: 200 Years of Cemetery History.
Buried Rochester takes a closer look at Webster’s very own, very old cemeteries, but also explores the wonderful variety of cemeteries located within an hour of Rochester, from large ones like Mt. Hope Cemetery to more intimate burial grounds that started as family plots. Packed with photographs, the book explores an intriguing variety of monument and headstone styles ranging from hand-carved marble to modern designs in granite and sandstone. Along the way, readers will enjoy beautiful scenery, connect with history, and perhaps learn even a little about local geology. Each cemetery presents its own little treasure hunt.
This coming Sunday Dec. 14, you can check out the book yourself and meet Jane when he holds a book signing at the Webster Barnes and Noble, 1070 Ridge Rd. (in the Kohl’s/Target Plaza) beginning at 2 p.m. Jane will also be selling copies of her first book, Cemetery Reflections. Published three years ago, Cemetery Reflections is different in that its focus is more on the design of monuments, and — according to Jane — “looking at death in a friendly way.” Buried Rochester, in contrast, focuses on the different cemeteries’ histories and how they have changed over time.
Both Buried Rochester and Cemetery Reflections are also available on Amazon.
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(posted 12/10/2025)
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thanks, friend, hope to get to by early next week – Dave