FITCHBURG — The Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries announce a unique event to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolution with a focus on Fitchburg’s earliest Patriots and a call to artists to participate in the “Revolutionary Paint-Out” with support from Fitchburg Cultural Council.
The two-day event will be held on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Fitchburg’s earliest burial ground, South Street Cemetery.
“We hope that artists, photographers, collage and mixed-media crafters and writers join us at this unique community event,” said artist Heather Barros, a volunteer with the Friends.
Established and emerging artists, including children and teens, are welcome to join us for two “plein air” afternoons creating art inspired by South Street.
Artists are also welcome to create art inspired by Fitchburg’s other public burial grounds throughout the summer.
Programs for children on both days will be held, including a scavenger hunt, stories about America’s participation in the American Revolution, an opportunity to try using a quill pen and ink, and a unique opportunity to do grave rubbing on two of the Cemetery’s 18th century slate gravestones.” Area historians will also be doing tours. “You heard about the Minutemen,” says historian/genealogist Eunice Halbedel. “Come hear stories of some of our Fitchburg citizens that participated in fighting for the freedom of our country.”
Cemetery Superintendent Jaquelyn Poirier says, “We take great pride in our cemeteries and the stories they hold, and we are especially excited to continue discovering and honoring the lives of Revolutionary War soldiers laid to rest at South Street Cemetery. We look forward to partnering with the Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries to create an event that respectfully honors the historic nature of these grounds.”
Co-leader Bernie Stephens, Ward 1 councilo, notes: “It is extremely fitting that we hold an event at the South Street Cemetery in 2026 when we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country. South Street Cemetery is the only city cemetery with Revolutionary Soldiers buried on its grounds.”
Programs for children on both days will be held, including a scavenger hunt, stories about America’s participation in the American Revolution, an opportunity to try using a quill pen and ink, historical re-enactment performers specializing in Colonial life, and battlefield medicine, and a unique opportunity to do grave rubbing on two of the cemetery’s 18th century slate gravestones.”
“We are looking forward to creating an exciting and educational event in a sacred and historic cemetery,” explains City Councilor-at-large Sally Cragin, who co-founded the Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries. “Our goal remains the same — to raise awareness and appreciation of Fitchburg’s historic cemeteries and encourage community appreciation and support.”
Admission and registration to participate in the “Paint Out” is free and open to residents of Fitchburg and all area communities. Artists are encouraged to pre-register by emailing: [email protected], and include the word “Paint Out” on the subject line.
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