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Litchfield Community welcomes Historical Storyteller, John Cilio. John Cilio, a member of the Organization of American Historians and the Association for the Study of Connecticut History. He hopes to impart his enthusiasm on finding the hidden forces and trends from the past that underlay modern life.

Sometimes, concepts easily understood and widespread in one era are not in another. One of the longest-lasting symbols from the past--meant to last for eternity is the tombstone. Tombstones --meant to remember and celebrate the deceased's name, station in life, dates of birth and life but also impart associations in symbols, shapes and texts that may be puzzling or appear out of place Symbols, concepts and attitudes toward death change as the centuries progressed in New England. Stonecutters were local and passed the craft in the family so symbols and styles became localized. The Victorians savored sending cryptic messages, but they were not alone.

Join John and learn about some of the history of America's first sculpture and how many of the messages from the stones have been interrupted and misunderstood. Unfortunately, not all designs on tombstones can be interpreted by modern viewers.