Hebron Historical Society

On Thursday, October 27, State Archeologist Dr. Nick Bellantoni will speak on “Vampire Folk Belief in Historic New England.”

In 1990, a couple of very surprised young boys discovered two skulls at the site of a new gravel quarry in eastern Connecticut.  Dr. Bellantoni and others were called in to investigate what turned out to be a forgotten colonial family cemetery. One grave in particular caught their eye.  Someone had arranged the burial in an unusual way.  This led to further investigation involving archaeology, forensics, genealogy, and folklore that produced the theory that the cause for the oddity in the burial was the belief that its occupant was a vampire.  Vampire folklore was rampant in New England from 1780 to the 1890s, and a combination of disciplines helps archaeologists today discover more about this period in New England history. As it turns out, real public health issue was to blame.

Dr. Bellantoni is also famous for his forensic study of the skull of Adolf Hitler, in which he questioned the long-held legend that Hitler committed suicide based on the evidence he examined in Moscow.

This will be exciting discussion, and Dr. Bellantoni will answer all questions from the audience.  Hebron Historical Society meetings, which are always free to the public, begin at 7:30 p.m. at Hebron’s Old Town Hall, conveniently located just east of the intersection of Routes 66 and 85.  Public overflow parking is available across the street at Century 21.  Light refreshments will be served, and donations to support the Society’s educational and restoration efforts will be gratefully accepted.

For additional information, please contact Program Chair Louise Casarella at 860-643-9288.