Preserving and Protecting Old Burial Grounds

How We Can Preserve and Protect Old Burial Grounds

— New Canaan Conservation Commission, Greenwich Conservation Commission Director, and Connecticut State Archaeologist to address community at Town Hall –

New Canaan, CT, January 30, 2017— Connecticut State Archaeologist Brian Jones, and Director of the Greenwich Conservation Commission, Denise Savageau, have been invited to speak at the next Conservation Commission meeting at New Canaan’s Town Hall on Thursday, February 9, 7:30pm, Board Room, 2nd floor. The program will be hosted by Cam Hutchins, New Canaan Conservation Commission Chairman.

Ms. Savageau, Director of the Greenwich Conservation Commission which has formed the Greenwich Cemetery Committee will speak about recent findings at an ancient African-American cemetery, referred to on some charts as the “colored cemetery,” which is part of a trio of adjacent old cemeteries that also include the Byram Cemetery and the Lyon Cemetery, in Greenwich. Ms. Savageau’s talk will also cover municipal and State resources available to preserve and restore old burial grounds.

Dr. Jones will present a general overview of the heritage value of local burial grounds, statutes that protect them, the role of the State Archaeologist in overseeing the exploration of and preservation strategies for historic ancient burial grounds like the Maple St. Cemetery in New Canaan.

“In most cultures, burial grounds are sacred,” Savageau said. “The Greenwich Conservation Commission and Cemetery Committee view this as important. We want to share our learning with the town of New Canaan and other towns,” she continued.

This event is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP by February 7 to CitizensForNewCanaan@gmail.com to reserve your seat.