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Explore the rich history carved into Connecticut's colonial gravestones with historian William Hosley at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Discover America's earliest sculptures and local tales in this engaging 90-minute lecture event in New London.
Explore the rich history carved into Connecticut's colonial gravestones with historian William Hosley at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Discover America's earliest sculptures and local tales in this engaging 90-minute lecture event in New London.
Book with Thames River Heritage Park
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Thames River Heritage Park · New London, Connecticut
In the historic city of New London, Connecticut, an extraordinary experience awaits those who appreciate history, art, and local culture. "Stories in Stone: Cemetery Art" is a unique 90-minute guided event taking place at The Place for CommUNITY Wellbeing (the former American Legion Hall), located at 74 Garfield Ave. This tour is perfect for anyone fascinated by the hidden narratives etched into stone—graveyard monuments and sculptures that tell the story of early American life and artistry.
Cedar Grove Cemetery, where this event originates, is one of New London's most remarkable open-air galleries of 17th- and 18th-century gravestone carvings, showcasing colonial-era funerary art. Historian William Hosley, a respected authority and former director of the New Haven Museum and Connecticut Landmarks, leads this deeply informative lecture titled “America’s First Sculpture: CT Gravestones.” Hosley’s expertise brings to light the captivating symbolism and craftsmanship carved into these historic stones, which are some of the earliest American sculptures.
Set against a backdrop of New London’s rich maritime history and colonial heritage, the narration delves into the artistry and significance of gravestone motifs, revealing how these markers reflect the social, religious, and cultural values of early settlers. The event is held indoors, making it a perfect fall activity especially timed on October 19th, with a rain date on October 20th.
The experience includes a picture show paired with an engaging lecture, making it accessible and enthralling even for those new to cemetery art or local history. Proceeds support the restoration of Cedar Grove Cemetery’s historic monuments, ensuring these cultural treasures remain preserved for future visitors.
Travelers often stay in downtown New London, a charming city with access to coastal views, maritime museums, and vibrant local dining scenes. This event enriches your visit by connecting you with a lesser-known but profoundly important part of New England’s heritage.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious, "Stories in Stone" is a thoughtful, community-driven offering that brings the past to life through the enduring medium of stone. It’s an uncommon chance to appreciate Connecticut's colonial roots in a compelling, educational setting.
Booking is straightforward with tickets priced at $20 for the event or $50 for an all-day pass that includes access to three heritage events, adding extra value and deeper insight into New London’s past. Walk-ins are welcome but limited to cash payment on the event day.
easy.
1.5 hours.
No physical exertion required; suitable for all ages and mobility levels
Yes, the event is family-friendly and educational for children of all ages, though content focuses on history and art appreciation.
The event takes place at The Place for CommUNITY Wellbeing, located at 74 Garfield Ave, New London, CT.
Yes, walk-in tickets are available for cash payments only; pre-booking is recommended to guarantee space.
There is a rain date scheduled for the next day, October 20th, should weather conditions disrupt the original event.
Yes, parking near the venue is available but can be limited, so it’s advised to arrive early or share rides.
Absolutely—the ticket sales support the preservation and restoration of historic monuments at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Cedar Grove Cemetery holds one of New England’s oldest collections of colonial gravestone art, reflecting 17th-century New London society’s views on mortality and faith.
Efforts focus on restoring weathered stones and maintaining the grounds sustainably, minimizing chemical treatments to protect local flora and fauna.
Thames River Heritage Park is a New London, Connecticut organization that preserves and interprets the history, culture, and natural resources of the Thames River estuary. The organization offers a curated series of guided 75-minute boat tours and talks that connect passengers with regional stories, including maritime history, Indigenous heritage, African American experiences, Gilded Age estates, Revolutionary War events, and local folklore. Tours feature collaborations with recognized local experts and institutions: UConn faculty, members of the Mohegan Tribe, Connecticut Sea Grant scientists, historians from the New London County Historical Society, and local authors. Many programs explicitly support area heritage sites and nonprofit partners through ticket revenue. Departing from locations such as Fort Trumbull State Park, the tours navigate landmarks like Pine Island, Bushy Point, Bluff Point, and riverbanks that witnessed significant historical events. The schedule includes specialized programs — for example, guided conversations about emancipation and abolition; profiles of notable women of the Thames; natural-history excursions; a haunted-harbor ghost tour; and focused narratives on Benedict Arnold’s 1781 burning of New London. Most offerings emphasize education, community engagement, and place-based interpretation tailored to adults, families, and history enthusiasts. Thames River Heritage Park emphasizes transparent partnerships, local scholarship, and stewardship of the river corridor. Tickets and public programs make regional history accessible while reinvesting in heritage organizations. Visitors can expect knowledgeable narration, close river access to shoreline sites, and an opportunity to support ongoing preservation and interpretation of New London’s maritime landscape. Seasonal schedules vary; check the foundation calendar for details and updates.
Book with Thames River Heritage Park