Shelton Historical Society to hold tour of Long Hill Burying Ground Saturday

The Sanford family grave site in Long Hill Burying Ground./ Contributed photo 

SHELTON - Long Hill Burying Ground is the oldest cemetery in Shelton. 

Tucked away on lower Long Hill Avenue near the intersection of Constitution Boulevard adjacent to Route 8, it will be the location of a program, If These Stones Could Talk, at 1 p.m. Saturday.

The event is jointly presented by the Shelton Historical Society and the Long Hill Burying Ground Association. 

A $5 admission for adults will benefit both organizations while students are welcome at no cost.

Presenter Marty Coughlin has done an extensive amount of research so we may better understand the background of those who once lived in the region. 

A Revolutionary War private from a family with divided loyalties, an ambassador to Belgium, and members of Shelton’s founding families are a few of the individuals whose lives will be discussed.  

Because this is a walking tour through the cemetery, clothing appropriate for weather conditions and sturdy shoes are recommended.  Parking along the street is limited.  

In case of rain, the event will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday.    

The oldest cemeteries in Connecticut can be examined carefully to learn much about  

society of the past.  

Ancient epitaphs and gravestone symbolism proclaim religious beliefs and values of the individuals and their families, give us clues about the person’s social and 

socioeconomic standing, and occasionally tell how the individual met his or her demise -perhaps by disease or injury.   

Studying the stones can be fascinating.

For more information, call 203-925-1803; see Shelton History Center’s Facebook page where there will be a notice in case of rain.                 

This is a press release from Tracey Tate, executive director, Shelton Historical Society.