A Historic Walk and Re-enactment: “Spirits of the Past” at historic Sharp Hill Cemetery wth Wilton Historian Bob Russell on Saturday, November 2, 11:00 – 12:00
On Saturday, November 2 from 11:00 – 12:00 a most unusual tour of Wilton’s oldest burial ground, the historic Sharp Hill Cemetery, will be offered. Portrayed by re-enactors, six of our town’s intrepid early settlers (each buried there) will describe their role in Wilton’s history. Some of the historic figures portrayed will include the thrice married Sarah Lockwood Selleck Hickox (1678 – 1765), Matthew Gregory (1680 – 1777) and Hannah Keeler Gregory (1687 – 1767). The history of the cemetery itself will be explored by Wilton history expert and former First Selectman Bob Russell.
The Sharp Hill Cemetery, owned by the Wilton Congregational Church, is the oldest surviving cemetery in Wilton, dating from 1738. That year, John Marvin gave 64 square rods (4/10 of an acre) to the “Presbyterian or Congregational Society of Wilton” as the site of a meeting house for the worship of God, as the Society had outgrown the small building in which they had started 12 years earlier. The cemetery was to surround the new meeting house. Although the church building which was built there only lasted until 1790, the cemetery was used actively until the mid-1800’s and then was gradually replaced by Hillside Cemetery on Ridgefield Road, which had the advantage of more space.
Co-sponsored by the Wilton Historical Society and the Wilton Congregational Church
Please register. E-mail: info@wiltonhistorical.org or call 203-762-7257
Suggested donation: $10
Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 www.wiltonhistorical.org