What's In a Coin? Reading the Material Culture of Legend Tripping and Other Activities

Several people accused of being vampires are buried in southern Rhode Island. Their legends are well known, and as a result some of the places where these people are buried are sites of considerable activity. Drawing primarily on material culture left behind by visitors, we attempt to identify activities that are taking place at these gravesites. Our observations suggest that vandalism, partying, legend tripping, tourism, and perhaps even magic and sorcery occur at the gravesites, presumably long after dark. Such activities speak to a wide range of intentions, beliefs, and experiences on the part of visitors. Taking a material culture approach to the study of graveyard practices, this article documents activities that would otherwise be difficult to observe.