Muslim Gravestones of Southeast Michigan Photography Exhibit now at Dearborn Library

posted on: May 6, 2015

Lecture May 12 will complement photography show

DEARBORN, Mich. – Gravestones come to life this month at the Dearborn Public Library with a unique exhibit of photographs and accompanying lecture by Ronald Stockton, Ph.D.

Both events take place at the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave.

The professor of political science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn has a longtime personal interest in graveyards and began researching Muslim gravestones in Southeast Michigan several years ago. His years of research have produced thousands of photographs of Muslim gravestones, 40 of which are on display in this exhibit.

Dr. Stockton will also give a lecture on “Muslim Gravestones in Southeast Michigan” at 7 p.m. on May 12 at the library. The lecture will be the last of the monthly Armchair Academy Lecture Series that has been ongoing at the Dearborn Public Library since last November. The lecture is free and open to the public.

The photographs will be on exhibit in the Rotunda Gallery at the library through May 30.

“It’s amazing what you learn from gravestones,” said Dr. Stockton. “They are not about death, but about life. Gravestones are your last chance to tell people who you were and what you valued in life.”

Muslims have been living in Metro Detroit for well over a century, and Professor Stockton has located more than 25 sites where Muslims are buried. A common assumption is that Muslims in this area are from the Arab world, but in truth, Stockton has identified gravestones of Muslims from 19 different countries, including Nigeria, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and China. Each ethnic or cultural group has its own style of expression.

The gravestones offer a permanent record of favorite hobbies, American military service, club membership, and more.

“Visitors will walk away from this exhibit with a new sense of what it means to be a Muslim in America,” Stockton said.

For more information about the exhibit, the Armchair Academy, or any other library programs, please contact Dearborn Public Library at 313-943-2330.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Mary Laundroche at (313) 943-2285

Muslim Gravestones Exhibit May 2015