Cemeteries have fascinated me since I was a child. Early on, I remember visiting a Russian Orthodox cemetery and being intrigued by the atypical headstones and striking sculpture I discovered. That allure remains with me today. I never tire of exploring an uncrawled graveyard.

Imagine my surprise to learn along the way that I am just one of thousands who are taphophiles. Taphophilia is an interest in or love of graves and cemeteries. I am especially drawn to the memorial art and architecture of cemeteries. My keenest interest is finding and photographing cemetery angels and unusual headstones.

Cemeteries blend remembrance, history and art in a peaceful, but sometimes neglected setting. I believe the past should never be forgotten and we should appreciate the heritage of all graveyards. I encourage all to support your state and/or local community's efforts to save and preserve historical cemeteries.