Beyond the Grave

Just what were the colonists thinking when they carved
winged death heads and floating cherubs onto gravestones?

Learn about the artistry of headstones during a talk: “Beyond the Grave: Symbols and Artistry of Connecticut’s Early Gravestones” on Sunday, October 28 at 3 p.m. at the Darien Historical Society.

William Hosley, past director of Connecticut Landmarks and former curator of the
Wadsworth Atheneum, will discuss the diverse stylistic traditions of small shops
throughout the state, which produced gravestones from the mid-17 th century to the
Industrial Age.

“Connecticut is a geological marvel, with all manner of rocks, minerals and clays. It’s not a
surprise that gravestones and building materials became Connecticut’s earliest domestic art
and export industry,” according to Hosley, an expert in heritage tourism and a cultural
resource development and marketing consultant.

Following the lecture, the Society will honor Sharon Kells, chairman of the Cemetery
Subcommittee of the Monuments and Ceremonies Commission, and Tracy Root, vice-
chairman of the Subcommittee, for their work clearing out and refurbishing the small
neighborhood cemetery plots throughout town.

“Both Sharon and Tracy have been instrumental in caring for the cemetery plots where
many of our founding families are buried,” said Dave Polett, chairman of the town’s
Monuments and Ceremonies Commission and former member of the Society’s Board of

Directors. “It is through their hard work and dedication that these plots have been restored
to both beautify the town and also honor the people who came before us.”

A reception will follow the lecture. The cost is $5 for members, $20 for non-members and
$30 for non-members and a guest. Please register online at www.darienhistorical.org, or
call 203.655.9233.