News
Fairfield Museum sets date for Greenfield Hill Cemetery clean-up
By Fairfield Museum and History Center
Aug 28, 2008 - 6:54:06 AM

Dr. Eliphalet Hull 1738 – 1799 buried in Greenfield Hill Cemetery was a Yale graduate, married Charity Burr, and served as a surgeon in the Revolutionary war. The house in which he lived at Hulls Farms is said to have been built for him by his father, Cornelius Hull.

Take a walk through the grounds of Greenfield Hill Cemetery and you will recognize names that are a part of our community today. You will find markers for those who fought in the American Revolution, Civil War, War of 1812 and the French and Indian War. The people buried here led fascinating lives and helped to shape our town.

The Fairfield Museum and History Center is planning a day of community clean up in the Greenfield Hill Cemetery on Saturday, September 20, from 10:30am – 3:00pm and welcomes adult and young adult volunteers to participate in the day.

“We have seen a tremendous response to this project,” said Laura Roberts, Director of External Affairs. “We would like to thank those organizations and town departments that have already committed to making the day a success, and we appreciate the individuals who have stepped forward to volunteer for the cleanup.”

Indeed, a significant number of plans are already underway. Fairfield’s Tree Warden, Ken Placko, is getting a head start by trimming trees at the cemetery, removing trees that have fallen and one that is ready to fall. Ruth Shapleigh-Brown from the Connecticut Gravestone Network made an assessment of the grounds in July, and will come to the cleanup to teach volunteers how to clean headstones with natural cleaning products. Richard White, Director of Public Works for Fairfield will be supplying trucks to haul away cleared debris.

Current view of the Greenfield Hill Cemetery

Other organizations that are supporting the project include the Greenfield Hill Village Improvement Society, the Historic District Commission, and, at the recommendation of Judge Caruso, the Boy Scouts of America will be helping with the project. One scout, Brendan MacNamera of Fairfield, will be collecting information about the cemetery’ for a database he is building as part of his Eagle Scout project.

State archeologist Nicholas Bellantoni Commented that “It is very exciting to see a community getting so involved in such an important project,”

Local merchants and service providers are stepping in to help too. Nick Tsousis of Nick’s Painting Company in Monroe, CT has offered to paint the cemetery’s entrance. Local merchants willing to get involved to donate refreshments are encouraged to participate.

“It’s messy work,” says Melanie Marks, who has championed this project. “Volunteers will need to bring buckets, rubber gloves, empty spay bottles and small soft scrub brushes to get into the headstone crevices. Tools to aid in removing debris are also helpful, such as shovels, pruners and clippers,” she said.

During the day, the headstone of Abigail Wakeman Banks will be placed back in its correct location within the cemetery. The headstone was discovered by Ms. Marks in the basement of her own home. A short ceremony will take place, officiated by a pastor from Greenfield Hill Congregational Church.

Greenfield Hill Cemetery is just one of the many Fairfield cemeteries that will be scheduled for community cleanup. If you are interested in participating in this ongoing project to restore Fairfield’s historic cemeteries please contact Laura Roberts at the Fairfield Museum and History Center, 203-259-1598.

The mission of the Fairfield Museum and History Center is to collect, preserve and interpret the history of Fairfield, CT and surrounding regions for present and future generations. The museum offers innovative educational programs for children, families and adults, and is located at 370 Beach Road in Fairfield. Please visit www.fairfieldhs.org to learn more about the museum and its upcoming events and programs.

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