Happy Holidays from Cedar Hill

The Board and staff of Cedar Hill Cemetery & Foundation would like to wish you and yours a happy and safe holiday season. The geese send their well wishes also! We look forward to seeing you in 2008.

Cedar Hill Welcomes Winter Visitors

While Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation's 2007 Tours and Events Season has come to a conclusion, visitors are still welcome to come tour Cedar Hill's expansive and impressive grounds. Since walking in the snowy, cold weather may not appeal to you, we invite you to tour the grounds from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle.

As with every season, winter is a wonderful time at Cedar Hill Cemetery. The memorial grounds are veiled by untouched snow, memorial artworks peer through their white blankets, and the trees are trimmed with glistening snow and ice. It's truly 270 acres of a winter wonderland.

Cedar Hill Cemetery is open from sunrise to sunset. However, we ask that you give our staff time to plow the roads and make the Cemetery safe for your visit after snow falls.

CHC&F Home Page gets a Face Lift

We are continuously working to make Cedar Hill Cemetery & Foundation information easily accessible to the general public. We recently updated our website home page in order to make navigating the site easier for visitors. Such updates include moving the site navigation buttons from the bottom of the page to the top, adding "quick link" buttons to the right of the page to easily guide visitors to frequently searched for information, and including a section at the bottom of the page for Cemetery & Foundation announcements that you may find interesting and useful. To check out our new look, visit www.cedarhillcemetery.com.

If you have suggestions about how we can improve the Cedar Hill Cemetery & Foundation website, please email your comments to info@cedarhillcemetery.org. Thank you for your assistance in serving you better.

Armsmear Affair Photo Gallery

To view the photo gallery of Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation's Colt's Home for the Holidays: A Cedar Hill Affair at Armsmear presented by UHY LLP, please click on the link from Cedar Hill Cemetery & Foundation's homepage at http://www.cedarhillcemetery.org/.

Colt's Home for the Holidays a Wonderful Event

Colt's Home for the Holidays was an overwhelming success. Attendees enjoyed touring Samuel and Elizabeth Colt's historic home, music filled the normally quiet halls, groups gathered to toast to the holiday season, exquisite food was available at every corner, and the evening concluded with guests coming together to sing holiday carols. As expected, it was a truly festive event and an incomparable start to the holiday season.

Beyond guests enjoying the Armsmear affair, the event was also successful in launching the Colt Memorial Restoration Campaign. All proceeds from the event will be restricted for the restoration of the Colt Memorial at Hartford's historic Cedar Hill Cemetery. We are hopeful that we can now leverage additional support from foundations and companies who recognize the importance of preserving Hartford's history.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to UHY LLP who was the presenting sponsor for this event. Their support and their commitment to preserving this important piece of Hartford's history is greatly appreciated. To learn more about UHY LLP visit http://www.uhy-us.com/.

We would also like to thank the Trustees, staff and residents of Armsmear. Since Armsmear is a private residence, we are grateful to them for opening their doors to us for this unique and spectacular event. We would also like to thank Colt's Manufacturing for donating $2,500 to support this project and the Colt Collectors Association for pledging an additional $2,500.

Finally, we would like to thank Aetna Foundation who supported Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation this year through a 2007 Tours and Events Sponsorship. Aetna Foundation's ongoing support ensures that we can continue to offer educational tours and events to the community in order to share Cedar Hill's rich history and the significant stories of those residing here in eternity.

We thank everyone who attended this event for your support, and we hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Get Your Tickets Today

It's official - the holiday season is here!! Thanksgiving has come and gone, I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas is playing on the radio, gift shopping is in full swing and holiday decorations are making their way to front lawns. With the holidays upon us, don't miss your opportunity to join us for Colt's Home for the Holidays: A Cedar Hill Affair at Armsmear presented by UHY LLP. Tour the historic home of Samuel and Elizabeth Colt as you enjoy hors d'oeuvres, seasonal beverages and live music. This event is sure to be a unique and festive start to your holiday season.

Colt’s Home for the Holidays:
A Cedar Hill Affair at Armsmear presented by UHY LLP
Saturday, December 1, 2007
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Armsmear, 80 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford

Tickets are $125 and are still available

by calling 860-956-3311, ext. 13.

All proceeds benefit Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation and will be restricted for the restoration of the Colt Family Memorial at Hartford's historic Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Happy Thanksgiving

The Board and staff of Cedar Hill Cemetery & Foundation would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Respond to the blog and tell us what you are thankful for this year.

We also invite you to bring your friends and family to Cedar Hill over the long weekend to visit loved ones and tour the grounds. The Cemetery office will be closed Thanksgiving Day but will reopen Friday.

WFSB's Jessica Schneider Talks Colt

Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation's Development Director Wendi Fralick sat with Jessica Schneider Saturday morning on WFSB's morning news to discuss Colt's Home for the Holidays. Less than two weeks away, time is running out for you to be a part of this unique event. Festivities at Samuel and Elizabeth Colt's historic home will begin on Saturday, December 1st at 5:00 pm with self-guided tours of the historic home, heavy hors d'oeuvres, seasonal beverages, and live music. Tickets are still available for $125. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible and all proceeds support Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation and will be restricted for the restoration of the Colt Family Memorial at Hartford's historic Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Seeing this as a unique opportunity for the public, Jessica invited Wendi to share the details of Colt's Home for the Holidays with their viewing audience. If you would like to attend Colt's Home for the Holidays email info@cedarhillcemetery.org or call 860-956-3311 and ask for Wendi. We hope to hear from you soon!

Tickets Still Available

Tickets are still available for Colt's Home for the Holidays: A Cedar Hill Affair at Armsmear presented by UHY LLP December 1, 2007 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to tour Samuel and Elizabeth Colt's historic home. Decorated for the holidays in Victorian-era style, attendees can take self-guided tours of the formal living room, Samuel Colt's study, and the picture-filled halls. As you tour, enjoy a variety of hors d'oeuvres, including shrimp cocktail, hand-carved New York sirloin and hickory-smoked turkey breast, and an assortment of desserts. Grab a drink at the beverage bar where, in addition to wine, you can really celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with a glass of egg nog or hot apple cider - with or without the spiced rum! When your tour is complete, talk with friends as you gather around the piano to listen to festive music in the formal living room.

This unique event will surely be an incomparable start to your holiday season. Purchase your tickets today by calling 860-956-3311, ext. 13 or email wfralick@cedarhillcemetery.org. Tickets are available for $125 per person and all proceeds benefit Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation and will be restricted for the restoration of the Colt Memorial at Hartford's historic Cedar Hill Cemetery. A portion of each ticket is tax deductible.

We look forward to seeing you December 1st!

Welles Restoration Completed

Restoration of the Oswin Welles monument on Section 1 at Hartford's historic Cedar Hill Cemetery was recently completed. ConservArt, LLC completed the restoration work in a little more than two weeks and the resulting monument is simply stunning.

Prior to the restoration, the sculpture's beauty was obscured by discoloration and streaks. Now, not only does her beauty shine, but her amazing details are evident. The creases in her dress fall ever so gently, her hair flows effortlessly down her back, and her face conveys a peaceful thoughtfulness as she looks down from her perch.

If you have not yet been to Cedar Hill to visit this restored monument, we invite you to come see for yourself how stunning this piece is. She is truly a piece of art, and the Foundation is grateful to have the opportunity to preserve and protect her in perpetuity.

Cedar Hill's 2007 Tours and Events Season is over. We appreciate everyone who came out to support us and partake in the various events, including Jay Kaplan's Bird Walk, Ed Richardson's Tree Tour, Kandie Carle's Victorian Lady, Ruth Brown's Symbolism Tour, Grace Park Mitchell's Exceptional Women Tour, and Steve Courtney's Twain's Companians and Cohorts Tour. We also want to thank all our volunteers who contributed to making this year a success.

While the tours and events season is over, the Foundation is hosting Colt's Home for the Holidays: A Cedar Hill Affair at Armsmear on Saturday, December 1st from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. Tickets for this unique event are $125 per person and proceeds will support the restoration of the Colt memorial at Hartford's historic Cedar Hill Cemetery. We hope you will join us.

Again, thank you for another wonderful season, and we look forward to seeing you at Cedar Hill soon.

Haunted History Lantern Tour - CANCELED

It is with great disappointment that Cedar Hill has canceled this year's Haunted History Lantern Tour. We hope you will join us next year for the most anticipated Cedar Hill tour of the year.

Haunted History Lantern Tour Update

As of now, Cedar Hill's Haunted History Lantern Tour is still planned for this evening from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. However, due to the impending rain, the event may be canceled. A final decision about whether the event will be canceled or not will be made by 2:00pm. Return to our blog or visit www.cedarhillcemetery.org after 2:00pm for our official decision. Thank you!

Haunted History Lantern Tour - THIS Friday

Don't forget that Cedar Hill's Haunted History Lantern Tour is THIS Friday - 7:00pm until 9:00pm. Tickets will be available from 7:00pm until 8:30pm and are $5.00 for Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation members and $8.00 for nonmembers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join us for what promises to be a very "spirited" evening.

A Cedar Hill Affair at Armsmear

It's hard to believe the holidays are nearly upon us - again. Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation is welcoming this holiday season with Colt's Home for the Holidays: A Cedar Hill Affair at Armsmear presented by UHY LLP. We invite you to join us for this unique opportunity to explore Samuel and Elizabeth Colt's historic home while it's decorated for the holidays in Victorian-era style. Rarely open to the public, guests will listen to live music in the Colt's formal living room, sit in Samuel Colt's study, view original photographs of the prominent Hartford family, and enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine and seasonal beverages.

Tickets are available for $125 per person, however, space is limited so reserve your tickets early. All proceeds will benefit Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation and will be restricted for the purpose of restoring the Samuel and Elizabeth Colt Memorial at Hartford's historic Cedar Hill Cemetery. To reserve your tickets, contact Wendi Fralick at 860-956-3311, ext. 13.

UHY LLP is the presenting sponsor for Colt's Home for the Holidays. UHY Advisors, Inc. with 30 offices nationwide, including one in historic downtown Hartford, is the 13th largest Public Accounting firm in the country. UHY Advisors, Inc. provides tax and business consulting services through wholly owned subsidiary entities that operate under the name of "UHY Advisors." UHY Advisors, Inc., and its subsidiary entities have more than 1,300 professionals providing services from offices across the United States. UHY Advisors, Inc. and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.

This is sure to be an affair to remember and a wonderful way to start off your holiday season.

Cedar Hill's Trees are Electric

The Foundation received a call this morning from one of its treasured supporters. He doesn't live in the immediate area but is planning his next visit. He wanted to know if Cedar Hill was in its full autumnal glory. As we talked about the beauty of Cedar Hill in the fall, he said, "The trees are electric. It's almost like they are plugged in." This was a wonderful way to describe the magnificent beauty of Cedar Hill's trees and landscape this time of year. We encourage you to come see this for yourself. With winter quickly approaching, the trees will soon be "unplugged."

Cedar Hill's Haunted History Lantern Tour

With Halloween only two weeks away, children are securing their costumes while adults are securing the necessary candy to keep the spirited trick-or-treaters happy. Here are Cedar Hill Cemetery, we are getting ready for our own spirited event - the Haunted History Lantern Tour.

We invite you to join us Friday, October 26th for the only evening during the year that the Cemetery is open to the public after dark. Led by a tour guide, you will have the opportunity to meet General Griffin Stedman, Governor Morgan Bulkeley, and Samuel and Elizabeth Colt, among other notables.

Tickets go on sale at 7:00pm and are $5.00 for members and $8.00 for nonmembers. Tours will begin immediately thereafter. Each tour takes approximately 45 minutes and covers about three-quarters of a mile. Ticket sales will cease at 8:30pm so come early to be a part of this unique and spirited event at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Call Cedar Hill Cemetery at 860-956-3311 with any questions.

Cedar Hill Makes News Again

Have you seen today's Hartford Courant? In his article "He Shaped Hartford's Landscape: New Book Outlines Influence of Architect Jacob Weidenmann," staff writer Steve Grant writes about Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation's first publication, Jacob Weidenmann: Pioneer Landscape Architect.

Although he lived in Hartford for only 10 years, Weidenmann made significant contributions to Hartford's landscape. Mr. Grant mentions some of Weidenmann's commissions, including Cedar Hill Cemetery, Bushnell Park, the Butler-McCook House gardens, and the Retreat for the Insane - now the Institute for Living.

To purchase a signed copy of Jacob Weidenmann: Pioneer Landscape Architect, call 860-956-3311, ext. 13, or visit Cedar Hill Cemetery's offices in the Northam Chapel at 453 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford.

Positive Feedback Continues

We have received several positive comments about the Discover Hartford Bicycle Tour, which took place on Saturday, September 8th. Several Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation supporters, including at least one of our Board members, participated in the tour and have commented on how wonderful the tour was and how glad they were that Cedar Hill Cemetery, one of Hartford's hidden treasures, could be a part of it.

As we mentioned in our September 10th posting, Cedar Hill Cemetery was mentioned in a Hartford Courant article about the Bicycle Tour when a participant was quoted as saying, "'I've lived in Hartford my whole life - 27 years - but there were things I saw that I never knew were here,' . . . adding that she was especially impressed with the area around Cedar Hill Cemetery."

The positive comments from this event continue to come to us. This morning, the Foundation received an email from one of the organizers of the event. He was writing to inform us that the Discover Hartford Bicycle Tour had a post-tour de-briefing meeting during which time they watched video from the day of the event. In the video were short interviews with participants and one man who was interviewed said, "The route was great - and I now know I'm going to be buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery."

We are very proud of Cedar Hill Cemetery as a historic landmark, nature preserve, expansive arboretum, educational venue, and memorial park. It's easy to fall in love with what Cedar Hill has to offer. Whether you are looking for a final resting place or a peaceful place to walk, we welcome you to come visit us and see for yourself what makes Cedar Hill one of Hartford's hidden treasures.

October at Cedar Hill

If you haven't been to Cedar Hill Cemetery recently, now is the perfect time of year for a visit. Our expansive arboretum is celebrating the arrival of fall through its myriads of color, the animals are busy preparing for the approaching winter, and the crisp autumn aroma gently envelopes your senses. Walking through the grounds, take a moment to kick up the leaves and watch as they return to the ground with the utmost ease.

On Friday, October 26, Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation, with support of our 2007 Tours and Events Sponsor Aetna Foundation, will be hosting its Fourth Annual Haunted History Lantern Tour. Complete with tour guides, character actors, and hot chocolate and cookies, this is the only night during the year in which the Cemetery is open to the public. The event starts at 7:00 pm and ends at 9:00 pm, however, tickets will only be sold until 8:30 pm. Last year, 330 people came to Cedar Hill to participate in this tour. Whether you have joined us in the past or are new to the Haunted History Lantern Tour, we hope you are able to join us this year. Tickets are $5.00 for members and $8.00 for nonmembers.

Happenings Continue at Cedar Hill Cemetery

The lazy days of summer are long gone at Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation - not that they were ever really here! This past Tuesday, ConservArt, LLC, began restoration work on the Oswin Welles monument on Section 1. Atop the granite monument stands a beautiful bronze, angelic female. Her details have begun to fade and her beauty has been obscured by discoloration and pitting, which has been caused by exposure to the elements for more than 100 years. Francis Miller and his team are working diligently to restore and preserve this amazing monument in order to ensure no further details are lost and her beauty can be seen by visitors for generations to come.

On Wednesday, we welcomed 30 people to Cedar Hill Cemetery to celebrate the publication of Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation's first book: Jacob Weidenmann: Pioneer Landscape Architect. Author Rudy Favretti talked about the importance of writing this tribute to Cedar Hill's landscape architect and first superintendent and shared some of his experiences in writing the book, including his difficulty in finding information about Mr. Weidenmann and his trips to Switzerland to learn more about this elusive person who made several contributions to the field of landscape architecture.

This Saturday, we are pleased to have author Steve Courtney join us to lead a tour on Twain's Companions and Cohorts. All are welcome to join us for this fun and interesting tour. The tour will start at the flagpole at 10:00 am. Members are free and nonmembers are $5.00.

We have several other events planned for the near future including our Fourth Annual Haunted History Lantern Tour and Colt's Home for the Holidays, a holiday fundraiser party at Samuel and Elizabeth Colt's historic home in Hartford. Stay tuned for more information about these and our other upcoming events and activities. We hope you will visit us soon.

Public Book Signing of Jacob Weidenmann

Professor Emeritus Rudy J. Favretti, UConn, proves he has more teaching to do with his latest publication, Jacob Weidenmann: Pioneer Landscape Architect. With encouragement from his lovely wife Joy, Mr. Favretti has spent the last forty years researching the life and work of Jacob Weidenmann in hopes of learning more about the man who made numerous contributions to the field of landscape architecture. His resulting book includes images of Weidenmann’s original design plans and final works as well as the personal story of the man who came from Switzerland and left his mark on landscapes across the United States.


Weidenmann’s surviving contributions to Hartford include the design of Bushnell Park, Cedar Hill Cemetery, and the Butler-McCook Gardens. In addition to being its landscape architect, Weidenmann served as Cedar Hill’s first superintendent. Recognizing the importance in sharing Weidenmann’s accomplishments, Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation, in cooperation with Wesleyan University Press, published this educational and enjoyable manuscript.


Born in Stonington, Connecticut, author Rudy Favretti received degrees in horticulture, landscape architecture, and regional planning from the University of Connecticut, the University of Massachusetts and Cornell. Mr. Favretti served as a professor of landscape architecture at the University of Connecticut for 33 years during which time he founded UConn’s nationally accredited landscape architecture program. In addition to his career in education, Mr. Favretti conducted a private practice specializing in landscape preservation. His commissions include Thomas Jefferson’s “Monticello” and George Washington’s “Mt. Vernon.” He also served on the board of directors at Cedar Hill Cemetery for 10 years.


Mr. Favretti will share his experience researching and writing Jacob Weidenmann: Pioneer Landscape Architect at a public booksigning on Wednesday, September 26 at 5:30pm at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Following his presentation, books will be available for purchase and signing. We hope you will join us.

Exceptional Women Abound at Cedar Hill Cemetery

Did you know that Isabella Beecher Hooker was the half-sister of Harriet Beecher Stowe and that she was an active advocate of women's rights? Did you know that Elizabeth Colt was only 35 when her beloved Samuel passed away and that she oversaw Colt Firearms until she sold the business in 1901? Did you know that Anne Tracy Morgan, the daughter of financier J.P. Morgan, became the first American woman to be appointed a commander of the Legion of Honor?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, you should join us on Saturday, September 15 as Grace Parks Mitchell, former assistant director of the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame, takes us on a tour of Cedar Hill Cemetery's exceptional women. She will share their stories and successes and describe how their work has contributed to today's society.

This tour is not just for women as those who will be featured had strong connections to very prominent men of their time, including Samuel Colt, J.P. Morgan, John Hooker, and Mark Twain.

We look forward to you joining us for this casual and informative tour. The tour will begin at 10:00 am and is free for members and $5.00 for nonmembers.

Bicycle Tour a Success

Did you read Sunday's Hartford Courant article 'Hartford: It's a Happening Place' by Jim Farrell? Mr. Farrell reported that approximately 1,250 people participated in Saturday's bicycle tour sponsored by the Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance. He also quoted participant Emily Rivera for his article - "'I've lived in Hartford my whole life - 27 years - but there were things I saw that I never knew were here,' Rivera said, adding that she was especially impressed with the area around Cedar Hill Cemetery."

We are thrilled that the bicycle event was so successful and that so many people were introduced to Hartford's historic Cedar Hill Cemetery. We hope more people will come to experience the world of art, history and nature that Cedar Hill has to offer.

Have you heard about the Hartford Bicycling and Walking Tour? On Saturday, September 8, 1,000 bikers are expected to participate in a 10-mile bike tour introducing riders to some of Hartford's historical sites and attractions. Some of the highlighted sites include the Colt redevelopment area, the Connecticut Creative Store, Hartford Hospital, Trinity College, including its new Community Skating Rink, and our very own Cedar Hill Cemetery.

For those wanting to do more, a 25-mile tour will also be offered and includes sites such as Mark Twain's House, Elizabeth Park, and the newly completed Riverfront walkway.

For those individuals not interested in biking but interested in participating, you can take advantage of the walking tour, which will start at Bushnell Park and end at the Colt Complex. Like the bike tours, the walking tour will include several sites of interest along the way.

The Hartford Bike and Walking Tour is a great way to participate in a local event designed to educate you about Hartford history and sites of interest. For more information about this event or to register online, visit www.hartfordbiketour.org. We look forward to seeing you riding through Cedar Hill on Saturday morning!

The History of Labor Day

When you think about Labor Day, what comes to mind? Do you think of summer’s end? Fall’s approach? Another school year? Vacations past? The history of Labor Day?

Under the assumption that many people don’t think about the history of Labor Day when they think about the holiday, we thought it would be nice to take a moment to share the history. According to the United States Department of Labor, Labor Day is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is one day during the year paying tribute to American workers who have contributed to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.

While Labor Day is more than 100 years old, the question of who proposed Labor Day has never been definitively answered. Some records indicate Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, and Matthew McGuire, secretary of the Central Labor Union, have each been connected in some way with this tribute to American workers.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City and was planned and attended by the Central Labor Union as a demonstration and picnic. The Central Labor Union held the second Labor Day on Wednesday, September 5, 1883. In 1884, the Central Labor Union adopted the first Monday in September as the official Labor Day holiday and urged similar organizations in other cities to follow their example in promoting a “workingman’s holiday.” With labor unions across the country supporting this idea, Labor Day was honored in many industrial centers in 1885.

Over the next decade, several states, including Connecticut, passed legislation recognizing Labor Day as a holiday. On June 28, 1894, the United States Congress followed suit by passing an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal national holiday. This year, in addition to the many things that Labor Day signifies for you, remember that this is the only day during the year created to pay tribute to America’s working men and women. We hope you take advantage of this day by enjoying a safe and relaxing weekend. Happy Labor Day!

Fall Events at Cedar Hill Cemetery

With fall just around the corner, Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation is preparing for the end of the 2007 Tours and Events season. Rudy J. Favretti, professor emeritus UConn and author of Jacob Weidenmann: Pioneer Landscape Architect, will be hosting a book talk and signing for the public on Wednesday, September 26 at 5:30 pm. Based on four decades of work by Mr. Favretti, Jacob Weidenmann is the first comprehensive biography of this pioneer landscape architect covering his life and career in depth and illuminating his importance in the field of landscape architecture. Mr. Favretti will share his experience researching and writing this tribute to a man who - until now - has been overshadowed and underacknowledged.

On Saturday, September 29, Steve Courtney, co-editor of The Civil War Letters of Joseph Hopkins Twichell: A Chaplain's Story and author of a forthcoming biography on Twichell, will lead event attendees on a tour of Cedar Hill to learn more about Mark Twain's companions and cohorts. While Mark Twain does not reside at Cedar Hill Cemetery, many of his friends and peers do, including his closest friend Reverend Joseph Twichell, the best-selling novelist Charles Dudley Warner, and women's rights activitist Isabella Beecher Hooker. Mr. Courtney will tell us more about each of their lives and how their lives intertwined with Twain's.

We wrap up the 2007 Tours and Events season on Friday, October 26 with our much anticipated Haunted History Lantern Tour. This event begins at 7:00 pm and is the only time during the year that the Cemetery is open to the public at night. Tour groups are led through Cedar Hill's historic sections where you meet some of Cedar Hill's most notable residents played by character actors. This is a fun, family-friendly event that attracted more than 300 people last year.

To learn more about these and other tours and events for the rest of the season, visit http://www.cedarhillcemetery.org/.

Forty people from across Greater Hartford arrived at Cedar Hill Cemetery last evening for our first-ever twilight tour. Cedar Hill Historian Irene McHugh led the group on an hour-long excursion through the Cemetery that included visits to the final resting places of Dr. Horace Wells - the discoverer of anesthesia, Isabella Beecher Hooker - womens rights activist and wife of John Hooker, Samuel and Elizabeth Colt - gun manufacturer and philanthropist, Griffin Stedman - Civil War General, and J.P. Morgan - wealthy financier. At 7:30 pm, the group was led to the edge of Cedar Hill's older sections, which is located on a hill and looks over Cedar Hill's new sections facing west. Here, we were able to pause for a moment and take in the view of the setting sun. We sincerely hope all who attended enjoyed the tour, and we will plan another twilight tour during next year's tours and events season.

Our next tour is scheduled for Saturday, September 15 at 10am. Grace Parks Mitchell, former assistant director of the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame, will introduce attendees to Cedar Hill's exceptional 19th and 20th century women. Mark your calendar's now to join us.

The clouds that have been hovering over Connecticut for the past couple of days are expected to make their departure just in time for Cedar Hill's twilight tour this evening. With the return of the sun, come join us as Cedar Hill's Historian Irene McHugh shares tidbits and anecdotes about some of our most notable residents. The tour will begin at 7:00 pm and is free for Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation members and $5.00 for nonmembers. We look forward to seeing you this evening!

What better way to spend a pleasant August evening than walking the grounds of Cedar Hill Cemetery. This Thursday, August 23, Cedar Hill Historian Irene McHugh will be leading a walking tour through Cedar Hill's historic sections introducing participants to some of the Cemetery's most notable residents, including Isabella Beecher Hooker, Dr. Horace Wells, barnstormer George Hamilton, and Samuel and Elizabeth Colt. This tour will be especially pleasant as we watch the sun set over Cedar Mountain. The tour will begin at 7:00 pm and is free for members and $5.00 for nonmembers.

Jacob Weidenmann: Pioneer Landscape Architect

There is a lot of excitement right now around the arrival of Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation's first book, Jacob Weidenmann, Pioneer Landscape Architect. For the past forty years, Professor Emeritus Rudy J. Favretti, UConn, has been researching the life and accomplishments of Jacob Weidenmann (1829-1893) who pioneered the profession of landscape architecture as it is today. As a result of his research, Favretti has created a beautiful masterpiece that includes images of Weidenmann’s original design plans and final works as well as the personal story of the man who came from Switzerland and left his mark on landscapes across the United States.

Weidenmann’s contributions to Hartford include the design of Bushnell Park, Cedar Hill Cemetery, and the Butler-McCook Gardens. In addition to being its landscape architect, Weidenmann served as Cedar Hill’s first superintendent and now resides at Cedar Hill Cemetery in eternity. Recognizing the importance in sharing Weidenmann’s accomplishments, Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation, in cooperation with Wesleyan University Press, published this educational and enjoyable manuscript, which will be a wonderful addition to any library.

Born in Stonington, Connecticut, author Rudy Favretti received degrees in horticulture, landscape architecture, and regional planning from the University of Connecticut, the University of Massachusetts and Cornell. Favretti served as a professor of landscape architecture at the University of Connecticut for 33 years during which time he founded UConn’s nationally accredited landscape architecture program. In addition to his career in education, Favretti conducted a private practice specializing in landscape preservation. His commissions include Thomas Jefferson’s “Monticello” and George Washington’s “Mt. Vernon.” He also served on the board of directors at Cedar Hill Cemetery for 10 years.

Jacob Weidenmann: Pioneer Landscape Architect will be available for sale everywhere in October, however, you can reserve a copy now by contacting Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation. Author Rudy Favretti will sign all books purchased through Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation. For more information or to reserve your book now, visit www.cedarhillcemetery.org.

Tell Us What you Love about Cedar Hill Cemetery

People tell us all the time how much they love Cedar Hill Cemetery. Some love it because it offers a peaceful, beautiful place to remember their loved ones while others enjoy the convenience of escaping the hustle and bustle of every day life in a place that is welcoming and serene. There are many other people who have fond memories of Cedar Hill Cemetery from their youth. Some would come with their families on a sunny Sunday afternoon to picnic on the grounds while others remember fishing in Lyn Mawr or sledding down vacant, snow-covered hills. And still others love to come to Cedar Hill to birdwatch, study the trees, paint the surroundings, bike the winding roads, walk the rolling hills, and meditate in a private corner. We welcome all who want to come and enjoy Cedar Hill Cemetery while being respectful of this unique place of remembrance.

We encourage you to share your stories about why you love Cedar Hill Cemetery. Simply click on the "comment" button below and tell us why you love Cedar Hill Cemetery. We may use your comment in a future Cedar Hill Cemetery & Foundation publication. We look forward to hearing from you!

Cedar Hill's Twilight Tour is on the Horizon

More than 30 people attended Saturday's Symbols in Stone tour with Ruth Brown, executive director of the Connecticut Gravestone Network. It was a perfect day for a Cedar Hill tour, and we sincerely appreciate so many people coming out to learn more about memorial art.

Our next tour is scheduled for Thursday, August 23 at 7:00pm. During this twilight tour, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about some of Hartford's most notable residents, including Samuel and Elizabeth Colt, Isabella Beecher Hooker, General Griffin Stedman, and Dr. Horace Wells, as the sun sets beyond the cemetery grounds. This is sure to be an educational and beautful tour that you don't want to miss. We hope to see you there.

Symbols in Stone Tour - Tomorrow!

Don't forget that Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation's Symbols in Stone tour is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, August 11 at 10:00am. As you drive through the entranceway, you will notice the gates have been removed for their long-awaited restoration. We look forward to their return in the fall, and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Cedar Hill's Historic Gates are Leaving the Station

Having welcomed residents and visitors to Cedar Hill Cemetery for nearly 120 years, Cedar Hill's historic entryway gates are leaving their station at the Cemetery's entryway to be restored. The Cassidy's, from Cassidy and Bros., are expected to arrive today to remove the gates and transport them to their foundry in Rowley, Massachusetts.

Erected in 1888, the gates are an impressive example of iron wrought on so large a scale. Containing no cast work, the gates' intricate leaf-design was wrought entirely by hand with hammer and anvil. The restoration will include replacing all missing and broken pieces with hand-forged replicas, repairing and refitting the hinges and latches, removing the soil and harmful deposits, painting them their originally-intended color - black, and hot-dip galvanizing, which is intended to preserve the gates for a longer period of time.

In accordance with its mission to preserve and protect the art and history at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation sees this as a fitting and important project. It is our hope that once restored, the gates will continue to welcome residents and visitors to Hartford's historic Cedar Hill Cemetery for another 120 years. We look forward to opening the newly restored gates for you upon their return in the fall.

Symbols in Stone

Memorial artworks often include symbols, which are used to share more about the person than just his or her name, birth date and death date. For instance, a broken column can symbolize a life cut short while a lamb can signify innocence and purity. Some symbols can have very specific meanings as they relate to a particular person. For example, the horseshoe can symbolize protection from evil, however, in the case of horse nail manufacturer George Capewell, the horseshoe and nail on his memorial signify his profession. While poppies can symbolize eternal sleep, the poppies on Dr. Horace Wells's memorial have more to do with his discovery of anesthesia and, thus, pain free medicine than eternal sleep.

This Saturday, you can learn more about the various symbols on Cedar Hill's monuments as you tour the grounds with the Executive Director of the Connecticut Gravestone Network, Ruth Brown. Ms. Brown will point out various funerary symbols, such as butterflies, orbs, doves and wreaths, and share their meanings. She will also introduce attendees to memorials that were created with symbols specifically relating to the person for whom the monument was erected, such as Dr. Horace Wells and General Griffin Stedman. Anyone interested in symbolism, art, oral storytelling and history will enjoy this educational Symbols in Stone tour.

The tour will begin at 10am on Saturday, August 11 at Cedar Hill Cemetery. It is free for Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation members and $5.00 for nonmembers. We look forward to seeing you then.

What's New?

It's hard to believe that August is already here. With summer half over, Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation is preparing for the arrival of fall with several projects in place. The first project is the restoration of the Oswin Welles memorial on Section 1. Erected in 1873 and designed by 19th century sculptor Carl Conrads, the monument is in desperate need of restoration. ConservArt, a monument restoration company located in Hamden, Connecticut, will be providing the restoration services for the Welles memorial. The Foundation has received financial support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism's Historic Preservation Fund to assist with the cost of the work. Unrestricted donations to the Foundation will be used to cover the remaining costs.

Within the next week, Cedar Hill's entryway gates will be removed to undergo restoration work as well. For nearly 120 years, the gates have welcomed residents and visitors to the Cemetery's grounds. They are the Cemetery's most distinctive feature and symbolize Cedar Hill's commitment to caring for and protecting all who pass through. By restoring the entryway gates, Cedar Hill benefits from being able to preserve a piece of Hartford's architectural history and the community benefits from a beautiful, well-kept sanctuary to remember loved ones and tour the grounds. The Foundation has received several individual donations as well as support from the Ensworth Charitable Foundation to restore the gates, however, we are still actively fund raising for this costly project and welcome your support.

Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation, in cooperation with Wesleyan University Press, has published its first book, Jacob Weidenmann, Pioneer Landscape Architect. Written by Professor Emeritus, Rudy J. Favretti, University of Connecticut, this book shares the life and accomplishments of landscape architect Jacob Weidenmann. Weidenmann designed Cedar Hill Cemetery's landscape, served as Cedar Hill's first superintendent, and now resides at Cedar Hill Cemetery for eternity. Books will be available for purchase in September but can be reserved now by contacting Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation.

In addition to these projects, Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation has several tours and events coming in the near future. You can find the complete listing in the scroll bar on the right. We hope to see you there!