Activity

Join EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak as she guides a tour of historic River View Cemetery, which dates back over 300 years! Located on the shores of the Connecticut River, River View Cemetery testifies to the early history of “Potapaug,” as Essex was once known, with the oldest gravestones dating from the early 1700s.  Come hear the stories of the cemetery’s ‘residents’ including: the influence of the town’s first pastor: a traitorous sea captain; an enterprising mother/daughter team; and many other engaging and touching tales.  Learn about changes in gravestone art – from grimacing “death’s heads” to ornate obelisks.  Enjoy the cemetery’s beautiful grounds as we trace its history from a simple burial yard to the park-like setting of today, especially during this twilight tour starting at 5pm.   The tour lasts about an hour over uneven, sloped, grassy terrain for about half a mile.  Walkers should wear proper footwear and possibly bring a flashlight for the twilight tours.  While this tour is based on historical facts and is not intended to be ‘haunted’, historical details about death and disease may disturb young walkers. Each tour is $10 per person; free to EHS members.   Limited parking is available in the cemetery or […]