In this tour of Hartford’s oldest historic site and the only one remaining from the seventeenth century, you will walk on land purchased from Richard Olmsted in 1640 by the town for use as a burying ground; burials continued to about 1815. During that period, anyone who died in town, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnic background, economic status, or religious faith, was buried here. Approximately 6,000 people are thought to be buried in the Ancient Burying Ground (ABG), including an estimated 300 Africans, African Americans, and Native Americans. Ruthie Brown, Executive Director of Connecticut Gravestone Network and fellow historian for the Ancient Burying Ground, and Katherine Hermes, professor of history at Central Connecticut State University and team leader on the "Uncovering Their History" project that documented the people of African and Native descent in the ABG, will discuss its physical changes, gravestone placement, carvers and symbolism. They will share stories of some of the people who shaped the history of Hartford and the state.

THIS TOUR IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT. Please email ncph@iupui.edu to be put on the waitlist in case of cancellations!