FITCHBURG — The Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries will hold several unique community events to continue the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Revolution, a cemetery walking tour and painting session on Sept. 13, and then a concert on Sept. 20.
Both events are made possible with the generous sponsorship of the Fitchburg Cultural Council.
On Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m., an historic walking tour will be held at Dean Hill Cemetery, 91 Caswell Road, entitled, “The Poetry of the Bereaved,” with special guest readers.
That will be followed by a “Paint Out,” where people can paint scenes from the cemetery.
Learn about Dean Hill’s gravestones and enjoy the heartbreaking — and uplifting — poetry etched on the slate stones two centuries ago.
“We are very excited about the work that researcher Eunice Halbedel is doing on the individuals who are interred at Dean Hill and who have the most moving verses inscribed on their 200-plus year old slate headstones,” explains co-organizer Sally Cragin, who with fellow City Councilor Bernie Schulz began the Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries in 2024.
“We will have some art supplies, including drawing materials, but urge artists and photographers to come as we will follow the tour with a ‘plein air’ paint-out,” Cragin said.
Concert
Then, the following week, on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m., the acclaimed local ensemble, “Thurston Consort Concert at Forest Hill Abbey” will perform at its abbey, which is at Forest Hill Cemetery, 115 Mt. Elam Road.
The abbey’s marble interior and intimate setting make for a unique musical experience for all, Cragin said.
All the events are free and open to the public. Youth, families and seniors encouraged to join in.
Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries is partnered with the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts and was formed to support future renovation of Fitchburg’s historic burial grounds. To donate, reach out to: CFNCM, 649 John Fitch Highway, Fitchburg. For more information, or to volunteer, email: [email protected].
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