Old Center Cemetery
All of the people buried in the Old Center Cemetery have stories to tell. For some, the story is incomplete, and their lives will remain a secret. For others, it is possible to recreate their lives so fully that it is almost as if the story never ended. Hopefully, as a result of this tour, you have gained a greater knowledge of, and interest in, the history of the town and the people who populated it. Much information can be found through careful study and interpretation of the gravestones themselves. Additional information is available by appointment in the library at the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society, located at 227 South Main Street. Numerous dangers threaten the existence of all old cemeteries. Gravestone rubbings, pollution, and weather both deface and erode the stones, making them illegible, while acts of vandalism result in broken stones, some of which are lost forever. Furthermore, lichens and plants consume gravestones and hide them from the public. Thus, gravestone preservation is critical in order to prevent these crucial pieces of information from being lost forever.
Are you interested in West Hartford's past? Consider becoming a member of the Noah Webster House and Historical Society of West Hartford. Call 860-521-5362. Membership Benefits Include: free tours and admission to exhibits for one year, courtesy passes for your guests, one year subscription to our newsletter - the Spectator, a 10% discount in the Museum Shop, invitations to exhibit openings and cultural and social events, discount enrollment in workshops and special programs, use of the museum's library, archives, and microfilm by appointment.
Membership categories include: Senior/Student - $20 per year (2 guest passes); Individual - $25 per year (4 guest passes) Family - $40 per year (6 guest passes); Sustaining - $75 per year (10 guest passes).
Through changing exhibits about West Hartford's history and by collecting and preserving objects, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the town's past, the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society offers something for everyone in your family.
