WESTFIELD-Dennis D. Picard’s love of history can be traced back to his teens and now after more than 50 years, he continues to share his insights on the lifestyles and folkways of New England through unique tours and lectures across the valley.
Dennis D. Picard of Westfield will present a tour titled “Victorian Sentiments and Symbols” at the Pine Hill Cemetery on Aug. 15.
Picard will lead a tour titled “Victorian Sentiments and Symbols” on Aug. 15 at the Pine Hill Cemetery which will start promptly at 6 p.m. The tour, hosted by the Friends of the Pine Hill Cemetery of which Picard is a member, is expected to last 45 to 60 minutes, depending on questions asked by tour participants. In the event of rain, the tour will be conducted Aug. 22.
Picard noted that the tour is an easy walk on relatively level ground, however, participants should dress appropriately for the weather and be aware that as a “garden cemetery” of the 19th century, not all surfaces are paved.
The tour will feature stops at approximately 14 to 16 tombstones with unique, descriptive symbols that were central to Victorian life.
“In the 1830’s there was a movement in the United States and England to change how people viewed graveyards,” said Picard, noting that graveyards at that time were unkept with tall grass and had no sentimental atmosphere.
“The idea behind the cemetery movement was to create a place of rest,” he added.
Picard stressed that his tour will center on the sentimental symbols found on the tombstones, not the individuals tied to the symbols.
On a recent morning at the cemetery, Picard discussed two of the stones that will be part of his tour.
“What makes Seth Noble’s stone stand out is the symbol of wheat that represents maturity or fruit of a good harvest which was used for older people,” said Picard. “The sickle that cuts off the wheat signals a life cut off.”
Next to Noble’s tombstone is a stone for his wife Eliza.
Dennis D. Picard will unlock the secrets on a variety of headstones during a tour at the Pine Hill Cemetery titled “Victorian Sentiments and Symbols” on Aug. 15.
“Her anchor symbol means hope,” said Picard, adding that representation can also be seen as a ship putting down anchor at the end of a voyage.
Picard said his hope is that the historical tour will answer questions for people who are curious about the past.
“By the end of the 20th century, we started to see people going back to stone symbols,” said Picard, pointing out that more modern stones only reflect the family name on the front of the stone. “We are now getting back to personalizing stones.”
Picard has been a museum professional in the living history field for 40 years, and recently retired after 27 years as the director of the Storrowton Village Museum in West Springfield. He began his career at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, and also served on the staff of Hancock Shaker Village in Hancock. With his background and museum experience, he has authored articles on early New England life, and has served as a consultant for many historical societies and museums. He is also on the board of directors of the Pioneer Valley History Network, a member of the editorial board of the “Country School Journal,” and a life member of the Vermont Old Cemetery Association.
“My intent is the tour will increase people’s enjoyment and see things in a different way,” said Picard.
During the 2017-2018 academic year, Picard also taught “Museum Studies & Historic Site Interpretation” at Westfield State University.
“A career in the living history field is for anyone who appreciates getting the back story of a built environment,” said Picard, noting the terraced landscape of the Pine Hill Cemetery in particular. “People planned the landscape you see every day for a reason.”
A $5 donation is suggested for each tour participant, with all funds benefiting the preservation and enrichment of the cemetery. Attendees should enter by the main gate at 117 Court St. and follow directions for parking.
For more information, call (413) 568-7026.
