REELFOOT FORWARD EP 228: Historic Elmwood Cemetery: Kim Bearden

In this episode, Kim Bearden, executive director of Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis shares how a search for a journalism job led her to Elmwood in 1998 and how the cemetery became what she now describes as her second home. Founded in 1852, Elmwood is the oldest active cemetery in Memphis and holds the stories of roughly 80,000 people. Bearden discusses the cemetery’s role in preserving Memphis history, from yellow fever victims and Civil War burials to musicians, writers, civic leaders and everyday Memphians whose lives reflect the city’s complicated past. The conversation also explores the practical work of running a historic cemetery, including monument preservation, tree care, records, tours, events and long-term planning as Elmwood looks ahead to a future with less available burial space. Bearden explains the meaning behind symbols found on Victorian monuments, shares stories of some of Elmwood’s notable burials and discusses how historic cemeteries can help communities understand memory, grief, faith and the history of its people. This episode is sponsored by Premier Primary Care of Union City, Tenn.