Teens Unearth Stories of the Forgotten in Cranston Cemetery Project
Cranston, RI – A group of teens from the Rhode Island Training School are breathing life into the forgotten stories of those buried at the State Farm Cemetery Annex, where over a thousand individuals have remained largely unrecognized since the early 20th century. This initiative, inspired by the project "They Were More Than A Number," aims to uncover the biographies of those who lived and died with little fanfare.
Led by educators like John Scott and George Dawe, students explored the histories of 35 individuals interred at the cemetery. Many were impoverished or faced tragic circumstances, leaving little information for future generations. “People weren’t having positive stories written about them — much like our guys today,” Dawe noted.
Through research using resources from the Rhode Island Historical Commission and AncestryClassroom, the teens crafted detailed biographies, presenting their findings creatively. One student poignantly envisioned Thomas J. Kenyon as a beloved storyteller, reflecting on the universal nature of every life’s narrative.
The project transcended historical exploration. It became a medium for the students to address personal grief and loss. Community outreach included discussions on grief led by HopeHealth’s Deanna Upchurch, which allowed students to confront their own experiences with loss and the potential for transformation through their struggles.
Additionally, students created “grief masks” expressing their internal emotions versus outward appearances, part of a larger initiative aimed at fostering self-reflection. “Grief can be a springboard for transformation,” Upchurch emphasized, as students recognized connections between their pasts and paths forward.
This project not only sheds light on those buried at the cemetery but also creates a unique educational experience for students to reflect on their own lives.
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