Skip to content

About the project

Many people visit burial grounds and cemeteries to look at the graves and take in some of the local history, customs, and living conditions. Then the question quickly arises: What is the story of the person behind the brief inscription on the gravestone?

Some life stories are of cultural and historical significance, reaching far beyond those who were personally close to the deceased. They may illuminate events, beliefs, living conditions, and enduring contributions that help us understand our own time - and why society developed the way it did. KULTURGRAVER tells some of these stories. We present short video narratives to increase knowledge of the past, spark curiosity, and inspire both young and old to explore other sources.

We feature both women and men, both well-known and unknown individuals, both heroes and ordinary people whose lives are culturally and historically significant, and whose stories can be connected to the gravestones that commemorate them.

There are countless fascinating life stories to be found in our cemeteries, and fortunately there is no single definition of what makes a story interesting or what constitutes “a good story.” Diversity is a strength. Our lives and the circumstances in which we live them are remarkably varied.

Our selection may seem random, but when you’re searching for hidden treasures, you must remain open to the unexpected. After all, people rarely go looking for the same treasures.

KULTURGRAVER continues the search. Many more, highly diverse life stories will follow.

Using interactive maps, you can locate the cemetery you wish to visit on your smartphone while you’re at the cemetery, or from your computer at home. You will find a selection of graves linked to 2–3 minute video presentations. You can also read the presentations in text form.

White church in winter landscape

The Cemetery: A Park and a Place of Remembrance

The cemetery is a public space where you are welcome to come for recreation and quiet reflection. It is both a park and a place of remembrance. For many visitors, it is a place with deep personal meaning and strong emotions. When visiting the cemetery, please help preserve an atmosphere of respect and dignity.

The Cemeteries Regulations§ 9, state:

“Visitors, movement, work, and all other activities within the cemetery shall be conducted in a respectful manner and with as little noise as possible, so as not to cause offence to anyone. Visitors should, wherever practicable, move about on foot. Dogs must be kept on a leash.”

KULTURGRAVER is a digital heritage communication platform initiated and developed by the Church of Norway Joint Council in Trondheim (KfiT). Cemetery authorities in Norway serve people of all faiths and beliefs, regardless of whether responsibility for cemetery administration lies with the municipality or the local Church of Norway Joint Council. KfiT has made a significant professional and financial investment in the KULTURGRAVER project and invites cemetery authorities throughout Norway to adopt the platform. The technology company 99x developed the design and technical solution, and subscriptions to the platform are administered by the company.

Contact:
post.trondheim@kulturgraver.no