Guided Cemetery Walk - Sat., Oct. 17
Have you ever stopped to explore Chester’s oldest cemetery on your way to the Meeting House? In celebration of America 250, Rob Miceli and Cheri Ferrari, Chester natives and historians, are leading a free walk through the Old Burying Grounds on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m.
This ancient cemetery was the burying place for the town’s earliest “citizens” or parishioners; 1736 is the earliest date of death on a marker.
Cheri and Rob will talk about the cemetery’s history, notable early residents of Chester, the artisans who crafted their memorials, and 18th-century symbolism.
For instance, did you know that many graves in the Old Burying Grounds are oriented east-west? Early American settlers of Christian faith wanted their feet pointing east and their heads toward the west so they were ready to rise up and face the sun on the Day of Resurrection.
This family-friendly tour includes a short walk over uneven terrain. To participate, park at the Meeting House and meet Rob and Cheri at the entrance to the Old Burying Grounds at 5 Goose Hill Road. Donations are appreciated and will benefit the Chester Historical Society and the Chester Cemetery Association. There is no rain date.
An Old-Fashioned Quilt Turning - Sat., Jan. 23 (postponed from Oct. 24)
We are offering another free program for quilters and quilt enthusiasts during the winter. It will be at Masonicare at Chester Village on Saturday , Jan. 23, at 2 p.m. (snow date Jan. 30).
Susan Nygard, 20-year resident of Chester, who has been quilting for over 50 years, will present “An Old-Fashioned Quilt Turning.” Susan also has done volunteer work at the DAR in Washington, D.C. to conserve and stabilize a collection of quilts for an exhibition in Japan. She has considerable experience in applique and reproduction applique and is a member of the Baltimore Applique Society.
Susan’s program is designed to inspire and educate others by showcasing a variety of quilts and hearing the stories that goes along with them. Participants are invited to bring their favorite quilts to share with the group. Susan will bring some quilts from her own collection to add to the presentation.