Dutch historian Leon Bok is a specialist in cemeteries, churchyards and grave markers. As a consultant for the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency he has contributed to the valuation and description of cemeteries, and established a method for the care of significant historic sites. An author of books and articles on the subject, Bok also writes regularly for the website www.dodenakkers.nl. In 2008 he established his own firm for consulting on the preservation, conservation and maintenance of historic cemeteries. In his lecture he will discuss how early Dutch settlers in the U.S. developed their burial sites. Bok will also show examples of cemeteries in other colonial settlements around the world, to compare what has been done here with what has taken place elsewhere, and will provide insight into the preservation and conservation of Dutch cemeteries and the unique problems related to these burial practices.

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the lecture.