The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery

The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery

The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery is a podcast for cemetery lovers, preservationists, and even those who've never walked among the graves. Join hosts Jennie and Dianne each week as they explore old cemeteries and learn the stories of those buried within their walls. After all, every death had a life, and every life had a story.

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Recent Episodes

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Episode 216 - The Lost Story of Dr. Marianna Smalley
Jan. 9, 2025

Episode 216 - The Lost Story of Dr. Marianna Smalley

On this episode Of the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, Jennie and Dianne attempt to piece together the life story of Dr. Marianna Smalley, a pioneering woman of her era. Celebrated for her research in tuberculosis treatment…
Episode 215 - A Forgotten Storyteller: Ellen Robena Field Smalley
Jan. 2, 2025

Episode 215 - A Forgotten Storyteller: Ellen Robena Field Smalley

We begin 2025 with the Ordinary Extraordinary, but nearly unknown story of Ellen Robena Field, a talented writer and educator whose contributions to children's literature have mostly been overlooked. Born in 1869 in Bangor, …
Episode 214 - Episode 213 - Winter Wonderland on the Frontier Part 2: Libbie Custer's Christmas Legacy
Dec. 26, 2024

Episode 214 - Episode 213 - Winter Wonderland on the Frontier Part 2: Libbie Custer's Christmas Legacy

This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, Jennie and Dianne continue their fascinating discussion with author Pamela McColl about Elizabeth "Libbie" Custer, the resilient wife of General George Armstrong Cust…
Episode 213 - Episode 213 - Winter Wonderland on the Frontier Part 1: Libbie Custer's Christmas Legacy
Dec. 19, 2024

Episode 213 - Episode 213 - Winter Wonderland on the Frontier Part 1: Libbie Custer's Christmas Legacy

Get ready for Part One of a holiday treat! Join Jennie and Dianne on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast as they welcome Christmas aficionado and author Pamela McColl back to experience the "spirit of Christmas" thro…
Episode 212 - Crimes, Clues and Christmas Cheer!
Dec. 12, 2024

Episode 212 - Crimes, Clues and Christmas Cheer!

Resting peacefully in graves across the United Kingdom are some of the 20th century's best mystery writers who set the standard for the detective stories we know and love today. Get ready for a whodunit of an episode! We're …
Episode 211 - A Prophet of His Own Demise
Dec. 5, 2024

Episode 211 - A Prophet of His Own Demise

What if you knew the exact date of your own death? For Samuel P. Golden, a series of prophetic dreams foretold his passing...or so he believed! Join Jennie and Dianne as they uncover the Ordinary Extraordinary life and death…
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Recent Blog Posts

The Fleeting Life of Myrtle Winter

Myrtle Winter (yes, her first name is misspelled on the headstone) was just 21 years old when she was laid to rest at Valley View Cemetery (also called Rocky Ford Cemetery) in Rocky Ford, Colorado. A tiny obituary printed in the Rocky Ford Enterpris…

Digging Deeper: Uncovering the Roots of Death and Burial Terminology

A recent online discussion sparked curiosity about the language surrounding death and burial. The term "planted" surprised some, but its origins imply the term was used with affection, especially among certain populations of farmers across the Unite…

A Smile Frozen in Time

Every time I visit any cemetery I begin to immediately wonder about the people buried in it. What are their stories? Finding headstones that include a photographs is always extra special because now I know what they looked like even if I don't know …
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About the Hosts

Dianne Hartshorn Profile Photo

Dianne Hartshorn

Co-Host

As founder and director of the Evergreen Heritage Dianne Hartshorn is capable, knowledgeable and dedicated as a custodian of Colorado Springs history and in assisting the cemetery with their pioneer heritage. Her knowledge of and dedication to Victorian history and traditions is inspiring and educational. Dianne has two grown children and lives with her husband Tom of 35 years and her awesome cat Loki. She is a 4th generation Colorado native and enjoys nothing more than sharing history especially if cemeteries are involved!

Jennie Johnson Profile Photo

Jennie Johnson

Creator & Host

Jennie has been in love with cemeteries and their stories since she was a teenager. She has taken thousands of photographs of historic headstones and the nature that inhabits cemeteries and graveyards. While she is not a history major, she is a history buff and loves to do research on all kinds of historical people and events. She was once locked into a museum (at the curator's request. He had an urgent coffee matter to attend to) and it was a dream come true! Jennie's dad is a retired Navy Senior Chief which means she spent her childhood living in different parts of the United States and ultimately developed a love of travel. She has also been involved in theater since she was 12 years old. She enjoys being on stage, but in recent years has developed a passion for directing and script writing. She has three awesome kids who are all grown or nearly so and is married to a Radio DJ/music programer who also loves playing pinball. She adores her black cat named Salem after her favorite city in the whole world, Salem, Massachusetts.

Reviews

WWII USMC Navajo Code Talkers

"I enjoyed spreading the information about my father, Joe Kellwood. I also mention my brother, Paul who was a Marine (Vietnam)."

Connie Kellwood Pitt | Nov. 15, 2023

Very informative!

"Really interesting episodes. If you like cemeteries this is the podcast for you. Very interesting stories and perspectives. The new episode in honor of Veterans Day was great. Really made me think ab…"

riddikuluspatronus1 | Nov. 12, 2023

My favorite podcast this summer

"this podcast is very interesting, keeps you listening, i started at episode 144, went backwards and just now completed the first 144 episodes, listening all summer as i was working in my local cemet…"

Russell Wilhoit, Indiana | Oct. 15, 2023

Informative

"Lots of information. Give it a listen!"

old_new_england_gravestones | Dec. 20, 2020

Making Mortuaries Fun!!

"Well researched with interesting historic information about real people. Perfect length too, for a quick dose of history! It makes me want to visit the cemeteries and homes of these subjects and us…"

TN2NYC | Dec. 22, 2020

I love cemeteries

"Interesting and informative. Jennie’s voice comes across clearly. Diane sounds tinny, clipped and distorted. It sounds like it’s skipping and words are missing, then Jennie speaks and we’re back t…"

Tracey Jolicoeur | Jan. 15, 2021

Love this podcast so much!

"What great content and history well-told!"

Claire in Colorado | Jan. 23, 2021

Extraordinary

"I think the Podcasts is great! I just started listening and I am already hooked! Thanks, Jennie and Dianne!"

Kristen Allen | March 11, 2021

Perfect!

"I have been obsessed with the history and exploring historic cemeteries in Colorado for years now. I was SO excited to see a podcast that covers the history, and its actually good!"

Lola | April 1, 2021

Full of facts and interesting people!!

"I absolutely love this podcast! I can tell they have put a lot of time and research!! Much appreciated and just what I was looking for! Thank you!"

Lady Turpin | April 19, 2021

Interesting Way to Explore Communities’ History

"An enjoyable listen telling the stories of those who have passed on. I particularly like the episodes that give snapshots of a town or community’s history through the lives of those interred in their…"

4sap | April 28, 2021

Fantastic!

"I was hooked at first episode."

mmmmmmat | Oct. 17, 2021

Best cemetery podcast around!

"This podcast is so unique! It covers smaller and not so known cemeteries and the history. So glad I found it!"

Miss never using foap again | Oct. 26, 2021

Podcast

"👍"

Bill Konefal | June 7, 2022

Just found

"Starting on episode one and already love it! Keep up the great work, I intend on listening to each one, can’t wait!"

Joe'sSis43 | June 16, 2022

Full of facts and interesting people!!

"I have continually listened to them and the show gets better and better! I absolutely love this podcast! I can tell they have put a lot of time and research and they are so respectful of what and who…"

Lady Turpin | July 13, 2022

Rrmote Listening

"I love your podcasts - the range of subject matter is diverse, well-researched, and beautifully produced. I listen from Wellington, New Zealand, where I am Vice Chair of the Friends of Karori Cemeter…"

Barbara Mulligan | July 17, 2022

Wonderful Podcast

"Thank you for having such a great Podcast"

Jerry 3450 | Aug. 16, 2022

A fan from the start

"As someone who has been listening since episode #1, it’s my pleasure to give five stars to this fascinating, well-researched and always entertaining show. Jennie and Dianne do a wonderful job of brin…"

Neil in Montreal | Aug. 22, 2022

Cemetery Lovers Rejoice

"It took me a little while to warm up to this podcast, but now I'm hooked! It's the next best thing to being able to wander around in old cemeteries myself. I look forward to each episode eagerly, an…"

Michele | Sept. 2, 2022

Great Podcast

"Thank you"

Jerry | Sept. 4, 2022

Great Podcast

"I’ve been binge it since I found it, I’m on episode 97"

Jerry | Sept. 13, 2022

Love it!

"Thank you for giving names back to those who may have been lost to history. I love the pod cast! Keep up the good work!"

GraveYardLover | Nov. 4, 2022

awesome

"liked it"

Tomb Stone Tuesday | Dec. 15, 2022

Can't get enough

"I've followed this podcast for about a year now and enjoy learning about the subjects. I was hooked when I listened to the first few episodes which deal with cemeteries in my hometown of Central City…"

Lori Powers | March 30, 2023

Episode 45--the Irish Miners of Leadville

"I enjoyed this podcast very much. Yesterday on Colorado Experience the person you interviewed was on this episode on TV. It was very interesting to see this after hearing your podcast. Thank you f…"

Julie K. Mann | April 28, 2023

Extraordinary, yes... Ordinary ... no

"The recent podcasts on the order of Odd Fellows and others was interesting and informative. I very much enjoy the podcasts and the interesting facts that they share with us."

Diane | May 6, 2023

Taphophiles Unite!

"Thank you for bringing the local history of so many to us. I have always loved visiting cemeteries and researching the history of the people buried there. It’s wonderful to know of others like me and…"

Streetwise Old Lady | July 6, 2023

This Podcast is Awesome

"I have been Binge listening to it for a week now made it to episode 73 so far. many graet ideas for someone just getting involved with a cemetary association."

Ken Hall | July 13, 2023
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Caught up on Episodes of The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery? Looking for something new to listen to until next Thursday? Try one of these (or all of these) fun, informational, and historical podcasts. 

🪦 Tomb with a View Podcast https://linktr.ee/tombwith_aview

🪦New England Legends Podcast https://ournewenglandlegends.com/

🪦Salem the Podcast https://www.salemthepodcast.com/

🪦 Cemetery Podcast http://www.necrotourist.com/

🪦 Historic Headlines https://historicheadlines.podbean.com/