'Walpole's Historic Cemeteries' is the title of a talk to be given by local historian Laurie L. Kearney at the Walpole Public Library, 143 School Street, on Thursday evening, September 12 , at 7:00, as part of the year-long tribute to Walpole's 300th anniversary being sponsored by Friends of the Walpole Public Library and Walpole Historical Society. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Walpole is home to six antique cemeteries and four small family cemeteries. This talk by historian Laurie Kearney will cover the history of Walpole’s cemeteries. As we have been celebrating Walpole’s 300th Anniversary, it is a good time to learn about our old cemeteries, especially as they are the resting place for so many Walpolians who have contributed to the growth and development of our town. Laurie will touch on some of these families and Walpole’s early history. She will also touch on some of Walpole’s unique gravestones, and trends in cemetery landscapes. It is an opportunity not only to learn about Walpole’s cemeteries but also to get an appreciation of their history and their quiet beauty. 

The Walpole Historical Society is sponsoring a series of walks through each of Walpole’s cemeteries starting in August and going through the Fall. This talk complements the walks by giving the context of the history of all the cemeteries and how they developed over time.  

Laurie L. Kearney is a local historian, genealogist, and educator. Laurie has spearheaded several local research projects on the industries that shaped Walpole and Norwood, studied the history of local properties and neighborhoods, as well as transcribed most of Walpole's and it’s neighboring towns' cemeteries. She has researched and presented walking tours in Walpole and Norwood. She has recently been investigating the history of local enslaved people and their enslavers. Laurie has over forty years as a genealogical researcher and holds several professional certificates in the field. Laurie earned her undergraduate degree in Education and her master’s degree in Public History with a certificate in Archival Studies. She is also a member of the Norwood Historical Society’s Board of Directors.