Barbaro's Final Resting Place

The 134th running of the Kentucky Derby is right around the corner as is Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation's 2nd Annual Run for the Roses fundraiser. The Foundation's Run for the Roses is designed to celebrate the American tradition of the Kentucky Derby while supporting the preservation of Hartford's historic Cedar Hill Cemetery.

The year prior to launching the Run for the Roses, Barbaro won the 132nd running of the Kentucky Derby by six and half lengths. He instantly became a favorite as he moved onto the Preakness. Unfortunately, Barbaro's career was cut short when he broke his hind leg while running the Preakness. After battling to recover from his injury for eight months, Barbaro's owners euthenized him knowing his quality of life had been forever diminished. It was just recently announced that after searching for the perfect final resting place for Barbaro, he will be interred at Churchill Downs - the first horse to ever receive such an honor.

This year as we celebrate the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby we will also celebrate the importance of each life and remembering those who have "run" before us.

Where are the Entryway Gates?

If you have been to Cedar Hill Cemetery in the past few months, you will notice the entryway looks very different without the historic wrought-iron gates welcoming you as you enter. The gates were removed in August for a complete restoration. With the restoration process expected to take three to four months, we anticipated their grand return before the beginning of the new year. Well, 2008 is here and the gates are not!

Executive Superintendent Bill Griswold has been maintaining close communication with Cassidy Brothers, Inc., in Rowley, Massachusetts. The foundry staff are working diligently to complete the restoration. In order to ensure the gates are authentically restored and not simply rebuilt, they are doing much of the detail work by hand. This time-consuming process has resulted in a delay. Based on recent conversations, we are hopeful the gates will be returned before the arrival of spring.

The total cost to restore the entryway gates is $33,000. Due to the generosity of many supporters, Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation has received more than $28,000 in donations restricted for this project. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who made gifts in support of this project, and we continue to seek additional restricted funds to reach the $33,000 goal. Once restored, we envision the gates welcoming residents and visitors to Cedar Hill’s memorial grounds for the next 120 years.

2008 Tours and Events Season - Suggestions Welcome

While our coldest days of winter may be here, Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation staff are working diligently to finalize our tours and events calendar for 2008. Bird and tree walks are right around the corner, and we are seeking input from you about the tours and events you would like for us to include during the upcoming tours and events season. Do you have a favorite event you would like to see again? Do you have a suggestion for something new? Would you like to volunteer with the Foundation? Send us your comments. We look forward to hearing from you!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.