Tombstone of Anthony Gwyn, Newburyport, Massachusetts, 1776 c. 20th century

Editor: Here we have Ann Parker’s "Tombstone of Anthony Gwyn," crafted in 1776. It's a pretty stark image, rendered in what looks like carved stone. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The making here is key. Think about the labor involved in carving stone in 1776, and the social context of memorializing someone through such a material process. It's not just about remembering Anthony Gwyn, but also about the community investing in that memory. Editor: So, the materiality of the tombstone itself becomes a form of social currency? Curator: Precisely! The stone, the carving—it all speaks to a certain level of societal value placed on the deceased and the act of remembrance within that specific community. What do you think? Editor: I hadn’t considered the economic implications of memorializing someone. It adds a new layer to understanding its meaning. Curator: Indeed. By examining the materials and the process of making, we uncover so much more about the society that produced it.