Join us for a NEW walk that EHS is debuting as part of our America 250 celebrations! Join EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak and EHS’s Sharon D. Clark 2025 Intern Griffin Smith, on Saturday, September 27th at 6:00pm, as they present a tour of the cemetery that will visit the stone sites of Essex veterans of the Revolutionary War and talk about their histories before, during, and after the Revolution.

Located on the shores of the Connecticut River, River View Cemetery testifies to the early history of “Potapaug,” as Essex was once known, with the oldest gravestones dating from the early 1700s.  Enjoy the cemetery’s beautiful grounds as we trace its history from a simple burial yard to the park-like setting of today, especially during this twilight tour starting at 6pm.  

The tour lasts about an hour over uneven, sloped, grassy terrain for about half a mile.  Walkers should wear proper footwear and outerwear, and possibly bring a flashlight if they would like.  While this tour is based on historical facts and is not intended to be ‘haunted’, historical details about death and disease may disturb young walkers. 

Each tour is $10 per person; free to EHS members.   Please meet at the base of the cemetery’s driveway. EHS expresses its gratitude to the Board of River View Cemetery for their support.

Special this Year! Please join us after the tour for a reception hosted by House of the Triple Moon at One North Main Street!  They will host snacks, cider, and a tarot reader.  Reception will begin at 7:00 and will welcome visitors immediately following the tour.

For more information on walking tours, please call (860) 767-0681.  Limited parking is available in the cemetery or along North Main Street.  Ample parking is available next door at  31 North Main Street, Essex.  In case of inclement weather, updated information will appear under the Events tab on EHS’s website, Facebook and Instagram.  Interested volunteer guides are invited to learn the tour.  No experience necessary and all training is provided.

Space it limited! To reserve your place on the tour you must RSVP.