Search Engine What happens when a cemetery goes out of business?
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Feb 7, 2025 
David Sloane, a professor at the University of Southern California and author specializing in cemeteries, shares his unique journey growing up in one. He discusses the surprising business challenges cemeteries face today, including what happens when they go bankrupt. The podcast explores evolving attitudes toward death, from communal mourning rituals of the past to contemporary, isolated grief experiences. Sloane highlights historical burial practices, financial struggles, and community responses to cemetery closures, making for a thought-provoking conversation on mortality.
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Growing Up in a Cemetery
- David Sloane, a cemetery expert, grew up in a cemetery where his father was the superintendent.
- This upbringing shaped his understanding of death and led to his professional study of cemeteries.
The Meaning of Burial
- Humans attach meaning to burials, viewing the body as sacred even after death.
- Cultures have different burial practices, from sky burials in Tibet to pyramids in ancient Egypt.
The First Modern Cemetery
- The modern American cemetery is a relatively recent invention, emerging in the late 18th century.
- James Hillhouse created the first private, non-profit cemetery, inspired by a decaying family plot.
