Connecticut Gravestone Network Annual Spring Symposium

This is a day devoted to sharing history and all that encompasses caring and protecting
our historic burying places. The program consists of a room full of vendors and displays,
and the following lectures:

Welcome and Introduction for first time attendees.

9:30 am

by Ruth Shapleigh-Brown, Exec. Dir of Connecticut Gravestone Network.

Brief overview of what you should be looking for went visiting old colonial burying grounds from changes that have occurred overtime, identifying stone carvers and symbols.

The Mysterious Peet Burying Ground –of New Milford

10:30 am

Historic Researcher/Genealogist Melanie Marks and historian Morley Boyd will take us on a visual tour of Connecticut's most unusual family burying ground.  Beside a rushing mountain stream, hidden from public view and completely unmarked, this strange but wonderful site is anchored by a massive glacial boulder where it is said the original 18th century settler, Samuel "the Hermit" Peet, prayed several times a day.  Six generations of the Peets lived on this rugged and hauntingly beautiful land and many of them are buried here.  After recently spending more than a year researching the Peets for a private client, Melanie and Morley have uncovered startling new information about the family and will discuss some of their findings as they relate to the lore surrounding this hidden piece of history.

Pere Lachaise Cemetery: Collective Effervescence in Dark Tourism

11:30 am

Come on a journey through Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris. Considered "the most visited cemetery in the world," Pere Lachaise is the burial place of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Frederic Chopin. Our journey will include the exquisite architecture of stones, crypts, and even pyramids of Pere Lachaise while discussing the personal benefits of visiting cemeteries on guided tours. One of the greatest benefits, referred to as "collective effervescence," includes a collective emotional energy shared by visitors in places associated with death and loss. We'll also look at various forms of memorialization in Pere Lachaise, what historians have said about changes in society handling death from the Middle Ages to the present, and the effects of these changes on individuals.

Chris Kullstroem is a life-long Halloween, horror and dark tourism enthusiast. Her publications include Making a Monstrous Halloween, Monster Parties and Games and Deadly Roles: Interactive Games of Murder & Mystery.

CT Militia Who Fought in the War of 1812

“1812 the forgotten war the forgotten veterans”

1:45 pm

Focusing on a Real Daughters project to make every town aware of the 1812 Veterans graves contained within its borders.  The presentation will highlight Hero’s of the War of 1812

Information about grant s that are available for marking graves of the War of 1812 soldiers will also be explained.  Presented by Betty Oderwald and Stephanie Lantiere

East Haddam Stone Carver John Isham

3:00 pm

Later colonial stone carver and apprentice of carver Silas Brainerd, John Isham developed a simple but easily recognized style effigy with an under the chin wing designed. Dr. Stofko of East Haddam will introduce to Isham;s work and life, however there is still much to discovered – perhaps you could help.