Belief in Vampires in Connecticut? You bet

Yes, "When Suspicion Meets Science: Examining....." this issue will be addressed at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum

 

The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum "will add to October’s chill with a timely discussion of a real 'skull-and-crossbones' scenario and an historical belief in vampires, right here in Connecticut," according to a release.

State archaeologist Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni will present “The New England Vampire Folk Belief: The Archeological Evidence” at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 in the Webb Barn at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, 211 Main St., Wethersfield, the release said.

The free presentation will be preceded by a wine reception (by donation) at 6 p.m., the release said. 

"Bellantoni will discuss some new cases of suspected vampirism in the 1800s, and give updates on familiar examples, including the Jewett City Vampires (Connecticut), the Mercy Brown case (Rhode Island), and “Burial Number 4,” in Griswold, Connecticut," the release said.

 Consider this: "In 1990, two Griswold boys playing in a freshly dug gravel pit unearthed two human skulls, leading to a police investigation and a call to the Connecticut Office of State Archaeology. Bellantoni conducted rescue excavations and noted that all the skeletal remains were in proper anatomical position in their graves except for one adult male, who had been beheaded and whose bones were arranged in a 'skull and crossbones' manner," the release said.

"Results of the forensic and historical evidence suggested that the individual was believed to be 'undead' and capable of leaving the grave and 'feeding' on living family members. Vampire feeding was considered by some to be the cause of the tuberculosis, the leading cause of mortality in the Northeast in the 1800s. The re-arrangement of bones, and sometimes the burning of the heart, was considered necessary in order to put the 'vampire' to final rest." 

 The 2014 Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum "Witches and Tombstones Tours," will be held October. 18, 19, 25 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details visit: http://webb-deane-stevens.org/witches-and-tombstones-tours-oct-18-19-25-26/

 

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