Hi, I’m Dave Shaw
I have a background in archaeology but used those skills as a stockbroker and financial advisor for thirty years. Now I write about local history as seen through the lens of cemetery as story keeper. I blend economics, anthropology and history to tell stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
What others are saying.
If you read nothing else today, read this piece by David Shaw - Lori Olson White
Bravo, David. That was great fun. - Barbara at Projectkin
Excellent article, David. - Robert Simpson
Wow! - Lisa Rogak
That’s really fascinating. - Joan Chapman
What a great detective story. - Perky Beisel
Fascinating! Great research. - Lisa MaGuire
Incredible Work! Kudos! - Nicole Palsa
Very interesting. - KateMotleyStories
The Union Cemetery Project
The Union Cemetery project is an ongoing effort to conserve and interpret the historic grave markers at Union Cemetery in Randolph County, Illinois. Our volunteers repair monuments, post photos and descriptions to FindAGrave.com and create interpretive analysis. We also raise money for ongoing cemetery maintenance. Many of my stories on Substack originate at Union Cemetery. You can learn more here: Facebook Union Cemetery and here: Find A Grave Union Cemetery
You really should subscribe. Why?
It’s free.
Also, it’s easier to navigate to previous stories you probably missed.
I publish every two to four weeks with a new and unusual story involving history as told by gravestones. A subscription plops it into your email for easy access.
The Substack platform is not based on advertising so there are no annoying pop ups or ads of any kind. The economics are based on voluntary subscriptions. You pay only if you feel like it. No guilt. I’m happy to work for free.
If in the unlikely chance you voluntarily pay for a subscription, I use the funds to offset expenses in our conservation work.
Join the crew
Be part of a community of people who share your interests. Our core volunteer group of Carole, Jeanette, and Kathleen do most of the actual work to uncover and restore history as told by historic gravestones. They research, dig, clean, repair and record data that helps bring stories to life. Without them (and you) this doesn’t happen.
We bring in other consultants from time to time such as geologists, professional archeologists and other specialists to help tell the story.
To find out more about the company that provides the tech for this newsletter, visit Substack.com.
