Hartford’s Old Burying Grounds Topic of Program at the Connecticut State Library

CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY “3rd THURSDAY OF THE MONTH”BROWN BAG LUNCH SERIES

Ruth Shapleigh Brown, Founder and Executive Director of Connecticut Gravestone Network and a member of the Connecticut State Library staff, will present a thought provoking discussion filled with surprising tales and mysteries about the 3 earliest burying grounds of Hartford, Thursday, October 20, 2011 from Noon to 12:45 at the Connecticut State Library, 231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford.   Shapleigh Brown’s illustrated talk will explain the beginnings of these three historic cemeteries mentioning some important local colonial residents and stone-carvers. She will also answer some common questions including: Do you know where Hartford’s second oldest burying place is? (Ruth will also share some photos of archeology projects involving two of those cemeteries!) Where is the first Mayor of Hartford interred? What about the ethical questions of what to do about those non-earth burials in crumbling crypts?  Are there bones left to worry about?  How about the unmarked graves?

Ruth Shapleigh Brown has been Founder and Executive Director of Connecticut Gravestone Network since 1993 and since worked in concert with the State Archeologist when possible to research and resolve many of the cases he comes up against involving Old Burying Grounds. There is no agency or commission in Connecticut that protects these historic grounds and many laws are difficult or impossible to enforce. Ruth has over the years received many awards for her advocacy and work including those from the State of Connecticut General Assembly and the Commission on Culture and Tourism’s Distinguished Advocates Award.

Thursday, October 20, 2011
Noon – 12:45
Connecticut State Library ~ Memorial Hall

Shapleigh Brown’s talk is part of the State Library and Museum of Connecticut History’s Third Thursday Brown Bag Lunchtime speaker series which features a variety of speakers on various aspects of Connecticut history. All programs are free and open to the public.