‘It’s like journalism, but for dead people’: Meet the Vermont woman who turned a pandemic gravestone-cleaning hobby into a social media feed

Caitlin Abrams, a Vermont woman, turned a hobby of cleaning gravestones during the pandemic into a social media presence. With a pump spray bottle and sturdy brush, she carefully removes dirt and moss from 18th and 19th century headstones, revealing the intricate details that have been hidden for decades. Her videos, which showcase the cleaning process as well as the lives of the individuals buried there, have gained a large following.

Abrams, who focuses on remote yet picturesque graveyards in Vermont, shares the fascinating stories behind each grave, often highlighting the lives of young women and children. Her work draws inspiration from the calming effect of repetitive sounds, which are popular among viewers seeking solace. The popularity of grave cleaning has sparked both praise and criticism, with some concerned about the potential damage to gravesites without proper consent and training.

Nevertheless, Abrams' work aims to educate viewers about the history and significance of these graves, fostering a sense of connection with the past and promoting the idea of cemeteries as welcoming spaces for reflection and remembrance.