MakerSpace
Moment
October 2021 | Issue 34
QR CODE HEADSTONES
You've probably seen these barcode-like squares called QR codes around. QR codes can be scanned with smartphone cameras and then it will open a link. These easy scan links are starting to trend in cemeteries to help memorialize friends and family who have departed.

#MemoriesForever

Companies like Digital Legacy make QR tags like the one pictured. When scanned the QR codes will bring up a web link that contains videos, photos, and information about the person buried there. This way visitors to the cemetery can see these digital memorials for years to come. Some headstone manufacturers may even integrate the QR codes directly on the headstone itself, though depending on the stone color, it may not be visible during rainy weather. Another thing to consider is if the particular cemetery allows such additions.

#LinksToWhatYouWant

With QR codes you can link to a variety of things, so theoretically families can choose what best to link to. This could be a favorite video, song, or in one case a citation of all the publications written by the entombed. Additionally QR codes may be used by organizations to provide additional information about those buried in their local cemeteries.

#HistoricGraves

One cemetery in Iowa used this method to document historic burials and inform today's generation about the people who settled in Des Moines Information from historians, Archie Cook and Mike Rowley and ancestors of those buried in the cemetery was used to create 71 videos ranging from 30 seconds to 3 minutes. These videos were then linked to the graves using QR codes. Creator of the project Kristen Bartley hopes to continue to document many more historic graves with the help of the Iowa Arts Council and Friends of Des Moines Parks and continued support of the community.

It's amazing how technology is helping to connect us to the past and provided a memorial to those we love!
Anyone who was looking for the tatting class to be here in October I would like to apologize. I wanted to do a program of tatting a bat but realized once I learned how to do basic tatting that this was not going to be a beginner program and that I should be teaching a series of classes. So someday I may do a more advanced class, but most of the people who have been asking for this class will be beginners and I need to provide something geared towards them.

I'm looking at hosting the series of beginner tatting classes virtually in January and our branch locations (Hicksville & Sherwood) in following months. Please answer the polls below to help us plan our schedule. You can also email cbolley@defiancelibrary.org with any dates and times that would work best for you that are not listed.
If interested in the virtual classes which day/time works best for you?
Fridays @ 5 pm
Saturdays @ 2 pm
Saturdays @ 3pm
Saturdays @ 4pm
If interested in classes at Sherwood Branch Library which day/time works best for you?
Mondays @ 4 PM
Mondays @ 5 PM
Tuesdays @ 4 PM
Tuesdays @ 5 PM
Wednesdays @ 11 AM
Wednesdays @ 12 PM
Wednesdays @ 1 PM
Wednesdays @ 2 PM
Thursdays @ 11 AM
Thursdays @ 12 PM
If interested in class at Johnson Memorial Library (Hicksville) which day/time works for you?
Mondays @ 4 PM
Mondays @ 5 PM
Tuesdays @ 4 PM
Tuesdays @ 5 PM
Wednesdays @ 11 AM
Wednesdays @ 12 PM
Fridays @ 11 AM
Fridays @ 12 PM
Fridays @ 1 PM
Fridays @ 2 PM
References

Fiedler, E. (2012, September 29). Qr codes for headstones keep dearly departed close. NPR. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://www.npr.org/2012/09/29/162011967/qr-codes-for-headstones-keep-dearly-departed-close.

Lee, E., & Newsworks. (n.d.). Lorie Miller holds the brass Qr code for her grandmother's gravestone. Smartphone users who scan it will be directed to an online tribute. photograph.


Matyszczyk, C. (2020, October 20). A qr code on your gravestone? It's dead serious. ZDNet. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://www.zdnet.com/article/a-qr-code-on-your-gravestone-its-dead-serious/.

Sheidlower, N. (2021, June 22). Iowa cemetery brings people's stories back to life with QR codes. New York Post. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://nypost.com/2021/06/22/iowa-cemetery-shares-peoples-life-stories-with-qr-codes/.