Grave Trippers: History at Our Feet
Cemeteries are fascinating places. They are, in fact, peaceful, welcoming—and full of wonderful stories.
In Grave Trippers, brothers Vincent and Robert Gardino visit gravesites of noted historical personalities on the East Coast to rediscover the remarkable people buried there. The Gardinos hope to dispel the notion that cemeteries are dark and depressing places. In ranging from the “jazz corner” of NYC’s Woodlawn cemetery—where Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and Lionel Hampton lie a few feet from each other—to Arlington National, their aim is to make the journey both enlightening and fun to read. Detailed directions are provided so that you too can become a “grave tripper.”
Praise for Grave Trippers:
“In this unique and fascinating book Robert and Vincent Gardino tell the stories of 70 Americans buried in more than a dozen cemeteries, churches, and tombs in the United States.… Most of them were prominent, some famous, a few were humble and obscure but [their] graves evoke uncommon points of interest.”
—James McPherson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Battle Cry of Freedom
“Like modern day Virgils, the Brothers Gardino take us on a tour of the afterlife.… Revealing the final resting places of poets, politicians, military heroes, musicians and more, the Gardinos bring the stories of these men and women to precious life. Buy this book, and then run, don’t walk, to a cemetery near you.”
—Helene Stapinski, author of Murder in Matera
“Who knew dead people could be this much fun? The Gardino brothers are perfect tour guides through the past, combining smart historical research with a whimsy and enthusiasm that is infectious.”
—Kyle Pope, Editor and Publisher, Columbia Journalism Review
“Chances are, the Gardino brothers’ infectious enthusiasm will spark your own curiosity to become a ‘grave tripper.”
—Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin, NY Times bestselling authors of Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford
“A fascinating way into history, compellingly told. The Gardino brothers share wonderfully surprising stories of our favorite American legends.”
—Jeanne Straus, President and Publisher, Straus News
About the Authors:
Robert Gardino is a native New Yorker. With degrees in accounting and finance from Fordham and NYU, he spent most of his working career in banking. While he has Parkinson’s Disease, it does not deter him from “grave tripping.” In this book he hopes to bring recognition to great individuals who are not as well remembered as they should be.
Vincent Gardino was born and raised in New York as a first-generation Italian-American. His career has encompassed media sales management in radio, television, and print, including positions at ABC, NBC, New York Public Radio, and Straus News. As a graduate of St. Francis College with a degree in history, he enjoys hunting for the graves of famous individuals as a way to connect with the past.
