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    Monday, May 13, 2024

    New London NAACP co-hosts Sunday walk in historic burial ground

    Ye Antientist Burial Ground in New London. (Courtesy of Connecticut Landmarks)

    New London — The Hempsted Houses' Nicole Thomas and New London NAACP President Jean Jordan on Sunday will host a walking tour of Ye Antientist Burial Ground, one of New England’s earliest graveyards.

    The walk is from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on land that was set aside for a burial ground when the Pequot Colony was first established by British settlers in 1645.

    Thomas will provide a general history of the cemetery and will point out many of the stones that were carved by diarist Joshua Hempsted. Jordan will share the stories of notable New Londoners of African descent who are buried there. The tour will include information about past and current community efforts to preserve the stones and history contained in this unique New London space.

    Admission is $10 per person. All proceeds benefit Connecticut Landmarks’ Hempsted Houses, and the NAACP New London Branch. Registration is recommended at bit.ly/hhgraveswalk. Same-day registration is allowed only if the event has not reached capacity. In the event of inclement weather, the tour will be postponed until Oct. 3 at 2 p.m.

    Please arrive at the burying ground at the top of Hempstead Street 10 minutes before the scheduled start time to meet your guides and check in. Attendees are invited to volunteer to tidy the cemetery after the tour. In order to protect the health of staff, visitors and community, all visitors are encouraged to wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

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