The annual Graveyard Lantern Tour, presented by the West Haven Historical Society, is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 22, 5-7:30 p.m. Groups of 15-20 people will leave from the Poli House every l5/20 minutes, and will be escorted to the West Haven Green to meet this year’s group of “resurrected” deceased citizens.
Among those who will be returning for the evening are Willam Soderman, West Haven’s only Medal of Honor recipient,
Hannah Candee Painter, wife of Thomas Painter a leading revolutionary figure who is depicted on the city’s flag, and Rev. Noah Williston, minister of the local Congregational Church, whose life was threatened by British soldiers during the Invasion of 1779. Two other distinguished deceased West Haven citizens will join their friends for the evening festivities.
As in previous years, people are asked to meet on the lawn at the Poli House 586 Savin Ave., directly across from the Green. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. The groups will then proceed to the Green where the Lantern Ladies of the Historical Society will escort them to the Burial Grounds adjacent to the Congregational Church and Church of the Holy Spirit.
Individuals are advised to wear comfortable shoes or sneakers as the grounds may be uneven in the cemeteries. No rain date is scheduled in the event of inclement weather.