45°
The tour will be guided by Dan Cruson, an expert on early life in Colonial Connecticut, including the evolution of local grave markers from the 1600s through the 1800s.
These select headstones are interesting, artful and rich in symbolism. The tour is free and open to the public. There is no rain date. In the case of bad weather, bring an umbrella.
The Mapleshade complex has five cemeteries within the grounds; two are private and the other three are town-owned and -maintained. The earliest grave markers date to the town’s beginnings.
The entrance to the cemetery is at the junction of North Street and Maple Shade Road, not far from Copp’s Hill Plaza.
Cruson is a retired Joel Barlow High School teacher with a strong interest in Colonial Connecticut. He is a past president of the Newtown Historical Society, a past president of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut; and is the town historian for Newtown.
He is the author of several books, including “The Pre-History of Fairfield County” and “Putnam’s Revolutionary War Encampment: The History and Archaeology of Putnam Memorial State Park”.
This community program is sponsored by the Ridgefield Graveyard Restoration Committee, the Ridgefield Historical Society, and Keeler Tavern Museum. For more information, contact committee member Hannah Barber at 203-244-8408.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.
