Sunday, October 12 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EDT
A special two-part talk & walk program, presented by the Ridgefield Historical Society and Lounsbury House, will introduce some fascinating characters and families, all now permanent residents of Ridgefield.
On Sunday, Oct. 12, 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Lounsbury House, 316 Main Street, step into the past for a spellbinding afternoon of history, storytelling, and discovery as acclaimed broadcaster and poet Ira Joe Fisher interviews local historian and author Jack Sanders about his fascinating book, Here Lyes Ye Body. Sanders will share insights on our historic cemeteries and forgotten tales of generations past. With Fisher’s thoughtful questions and Sanders’ deep knowledge and wit, the discussion will uncover the rich narratives carved into old gravestones, revealing stories of the people that came before us. Their conversation will be followed by an opportunity for audience questions.
Jack Sanders, the former editor of the Ridgefield Press for 45 years and author of over 10 books on Ridgefield’s history, spent many years visiting town cemeteries, both as a person devoted to the history of Ridgefield and as a volunteer for FindAGrave.com, a 30-year-old community effort that now has more than 250 million entries of individual memorials. Inspired by the wealth of material written in stone, Sanders followed up with further research, which led to his book Here Lyes Ye Body, published in 2022.
Copies of Here Lyes Ye Body will be available for purchase from our friends at Books on the Common located at 404 Main St. in advance of the program and at the door, and attendees will have the opportunity to have them signed by Jack Sanders after the event.
A discussion of cemeteries calls for a field trip, and Sanders will lead a walk through the six cemeteries that make up the cemetery (bounded by North Salem Road, Mapleshade Road and North Street in Ridgefield) on Monday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. He’ll point out notable graves and tell the stories of their “owners.” The rain date for the walk is Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m-12 p.m. Participants should expect a mile of walking over uneven lawn. Please carpool and park at Mapleshade Cemetery (entrance at North Street/Mapleshade Road).
Tickets are limited, non-refundable, and expected to sell out quickly. Tickets for the Sunday Talk and Monday Walk are $30 for members of Lounsbury House or the Ridgefield Historical Society, $40 for those who are not yet members.
For more information, call 203-438-5821 or email [email protected]
Thank you to D. Colabella Art Gallery, Books on the Common and Local-Insta for their sponsorship support.
