Vampires in Connecticut: What the Past Tells Us

Nicholas Bellantoni, Ph.D., Emeritus State Archeologist, will present an informative presentation on the history and mythologies of vampires in Connecticut, with a focus on remains found in the Jewett City area.

This seasonal program, sponsored by the Naugatuck Valley Audubon Society and the Kellogg Environmental Center, takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.

Dr. Bellantoni will share his knowledge of Connecticut history and cultural activity of long ago. Learn how research and study of early colonial activities developed the belief of vampire behavior and the ongoing fear of the undead.

Specifically related to the study of remains in Connecticut, stories will be told of strong adults wasting away and dying for unexplained reasons. Was it due to departed family members consuming their energy and blood? What else could be possible? And did these stories help build the image of Bram Stocker’s Dracula?

Dr. Bellantoni spends an evening taking guests on a journey into the past to see what the bones, graves and history tell us about the myth and fact of each situation.

The program is offered free of charge, but donations are requested to help support further educational programs.

Call to register as space is limited. For further information, directions, or to register please phone (203) 734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.

The above information was provided by the CT DEEP. Photo Credit: steveczajka, via flickr creative commons