Nicholas Bellantoni Talks the Old Leatherman in Wilton on September 28

“In Search of the Old Leatherman” A talk by Nicholas Bellantoni, Emeritus Connecticut State Archaeologist on Saturday, September 28 from 2:00 – 3:30 at the Wilton Historical Society

From 1860 – 1889, an unofficial Wilton resident, the mysterious and silent Old Leatherman, would pass through town every 34 days on his regular route from east to west, sleeping in caves and eating food that local residents set out for him.

On Saturday, September 28 from 2:00 – 3:30, Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni, emeritus state archaeologist, will present an illustrated talk “In Search of the Old Leatherman” at the Wilton Historical Society. Dr. Bellantoni will discuss the history of this unique character, describe some of the caves he occupied and the archaeology done at a few of them, and will touch on the time he spent in Wilton.

According to Bob Russells' History of Wilton, two of his regular food stops were the Nathan (later John) Comstock house at 77 Ridgefield Road, and the Dick Moriarity house in the Huckleberry Hill area, not far from Rock Lake Reservoir where he had a cave.  Bellantoni will also discuss his search for the Old Leatherman's unmarked grave in Sparta Cemetery, Ossining, New York. The event includes questions and answers, and a reception; free for members, $10 for non-members. Please register: call 203-762-7257 or email: info@wiltonhistorical.org

Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni serves as the emeritus state archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and Archaeology Center at the University of Connecticut. He received his doctorate in anthropology from UConn in 1987 and was shortly thereafter appointed state archaeologist. He also serves as an Adjunct Associate Research Professor in the Department of Anthropology at University of Connecticut, and is a former President of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut and the National Association of State Archeologists. He has recently published a book “The Long Journeys Home: The Repatriations of Henry Opukahaia and Albert Afraid of Hawk”.

The Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 203-762-7257 www.wiltonhistorical.org