Join us for this fascinating presentation by John Cilio!

The craftsmanship of notable 17 th, 18 th, and 19th-century gravestone carvers left an indelible mark on our New England heritage. Often carved from local stone, memorials were created by skilled and sometimes less skilled stonecutters using hammers, mallets, and chisels to mark the resting places of the deceased. Unknowingly, they also created America’s first sculpture, reflecting the changing values, beliefs, and social structures of the time. Their creative endeavors would produce gravestones that are as much a reflection of their personal identity as of the deceased, their family's pride, social status, and moral virtues.
Many gravestones weren’t just about names and dates; they were laden with symbolism addressing life, death, and the afterlife—essentially the ultimate ‘read between the lines’ exercise. In this 50-minute presentation, John Cilio will introduce many stone cutters and their artistry. He will highlight some of the background stories to how these men undertook their profession, how the craft began to organize beyond local training in the mid-1700s, and some of the regional variations that arose outside of New England. As time marched on, many gravestones met unfortunate fates, suffering from the ravages of weather, neglect, and accident. Hundreds of thousands still exist. Join us as we undertake some of the stories about the stonecutters who have left an indelible mark on our American heritage.

Speaker Bio:
John Cilio is a fascinating historical storyteller, author, and researcher who has been captivating audiences with his tales of the past for over 15 years. As a proud member of the Organization of American Historians and the Association for the Study of Connecticut History, and the Connecticut
League of Museums. John has shared his knowledge through numerous articles in national magazines and newspapers. Through his captivating storytelling and in-depth research, John Cilio continues to inspire and educate. Prepare to be transported through time and experience history through period stories and vintage photographs.

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