Autumn history walk at Dean Hill Cemetery

FITCHBURG — There’s poetry aplenty in the most peculiar places, and on Sunday, the Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries will highlight the heartbreaking verse found on the historic slate headstones at Dean Hill Cemetery, 91 Caswell Rd.

These lines and the Fitchburg men who fought for their town — and an emerging nation — are the stars of “Revolutionary Patriots,” Sunday’s Local History Walk at Dean Hill Cemetery, 91 Caswell Rd., Fitchburg. The tour will be led by genealogist/historian Eunice Halbedel who will highlight the men and women who heeded the call of Revolution.

“Fitchburg played a significant role in the American Revolution due to its strategic location and industrial capabilities,” explains Halbedel. “The town’s involvement in the war included participation in the drafting process for the Constitution and the selecting of representatives to discuss the new Constitution. Fitchburg’s industrial development, particularly in paper and textiles was crucial for the war effort.”

Attendees will learn about Revolutionary Patriots such as Phineas Brown, Thomas Laws, and Jonathan Page, who participated in the Battles in Bennington, at which General Burgoyne eventually surrendered.

Organized by Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries, with support from Fitchburg Cultural Council, Cemetery Commission,Trustees of the Public Burial Grounds, and Fitchburg Historical Society. This event is “pay what you can” — all welcome. All donations will benefit “Friends of Fitchburg Cemeteries” at the Community Foundation of North Central Mass, the non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for Forest Hill Abbey (The Mausoleum) at Forest Hill.

The walk takes place on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Dean Hill Cemetery, 91 Caswell Rd., Fitchburg. (Rescheduled from Sept. 12.)

To RSVP: Email: [email protected].