Wednesday, October 23
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Registration Required Below
This lecture is part of MTL’s History Close to Home Series, delving into the fascinating history of both Redding and the Nutmeg State!
In 1990 two young boys discovered skulls at the site of a gravel quarry in eastern Connecticut, and a team of forensic scientists and archaeologists were called to investigate.
They soon uncovered a forgotten colonial cemetery, one that contained some odd elements. After further investigation, the team realized they had stumbled across a New England folk belief that was both chilling and fascinating: vampires.
Hear from State Archaeologist Emeritus Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni as he recounts one of his most captivating cases. Vampire folklore was rampant in New England from 1780 to the 1890s, and a combination of disciplines helps archaeologists today discover more about this period in New England history. As it turns out, a real public health issue was to blame.
About Our Speaker
Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni serves as the emeritus state archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and is adjunct associate research professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut. He received his doctorate in anthropology from UConn in 1987 and later was appointed state archaeologist. His duties were many, but primarily include the preservation of archaeological sites in the state. He is a former State Commissioner for the Commission on Culture and Tourism and sat on the State Historic Preservation Council for over 12 years. He is a former President of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut and the National Association of State Archeologists. His research background includes the analysis of skeletal remains from eastern North America. He has been excavating in Connecticut for almost 40 years.
This is a virtual program that will take place over Zoom. Register below to receive a Zoom link the day of the program. Include a cell for a text reminder.