The plaque explores the artistry of early gravestone carvers in Salem, Massachusetts, tracing the origins of this craft to the Boston area during the late 1600s. It credits an anonymous artisan known as “The Old Stone Cutter” for early designs based on European woodcuts. Notable names include William Mumford and Nathaniel Emmes, with Emmes becoming a prolific figure in the region until his death in 1750. Levi Maxcy, active from 1791 to 1811, is highlighted as the most represented carver in Charter Street Cemetery, known for his distinctive urn and willow motifs. These gravestones reflect a blend of artistic tradition and personal commemoration.
