Facebook Groups: The Association of Graveyard Rabbits

Association of Graveyard Rabbits
Moderator: Henk van Kampen
https://www.facebook.com/groups/39809897326/
481 members

The Old City Cemetery, Sacramento, California. Photo by Loren Rhoads

Q: There are a lot of cemetery aficionado groups on Facebook. What sets yours apart?

A: The Association of Graveyard Rabbits was started by the late Terry Thornton in October 2008. We are a group of cemetery bloggers: having a blog devoted to cemeteries is one of the requirements for membership.

Our mission: To promote the historical importance of cemeteries, grave markers, and the family history that can be learned from a study of burial customs, burying grounds, and tombstones. Our main website is http://www.thegraveyardrabbit.com/.

I’m a member of the Association and act as moderator for our Facebook group. (It’s not my group, I just moderate.) Terry started the group 5 years ago as a discussion place for members of (and anyone who is interested in) the Association. The Facebook group is an open group, so anyone can join. As the Association has not been very active recently, the Facebook is currently mostly a cemetery discussion group. Anyone with an interest in tombstones, cemeteries and burial customs can join. There is very little moderation in our group. As a moderator, I approve new members and occasionally weed out a few spammers. I rarely have to go beyond that to keep the discussions on topic.

Q: Do you have a policy about what is appropriate to post?

A: Discussions about the historical importance of cemeteries, grave markers, and the family history to be learned from a study of burial customs, burying grounds, and tombstones. It’s fine to share a link to related articles or blog posts (including your own).

Q: How old is your group?

A: We’ll soon be five years old.

Q: Is your group open to new members?

A: Anyone who wants to join (or just read) our discussions is welcome.

Q: Are you a member of any other cemetery groups?

A: Yes, several. I’m not very active in the discussions at the moment, though.