Join us October 26, 2025!
Essex history comes alive at River View Cemetery as Essex Historical Society offers our most popular historic walking tours of the year
Join EHS Director, Melissa Josefiak as she guides a tour of historic River View Cemetery, which dates back over 300 years! 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. Come hear the stories of the cemetery’s ‘residents’ including: the influence of the town’s first pastor: a traitorous sea captain; an enterprising mother/daughter team; and many other engaging and touching tales. Learn about changes in gravestone art – from grimacing “death’s heads” to ornate obelisks. 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 4pm.
The tour lasts about an hour over uneven, sloped, grassy terrain for about half a mile. Walkers should wear proper footwear and possibly bring a flashlight for the twilight tours. 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. Limited parking is available in the cemetery or along North Main Street. Ample parking is available next door at 31 North Main Street, Essex. Please meet at the base of the cemetery’s driveway.
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 5:00 and will welcome visitors immediately following the tour.
EHS expresses its gratitude to the Board of River View Cemetery for their continued support of this program. For more information on walking tours, please click here. In case of inclement weather, updated information will appear under the Events tab on EHS’s website, Facebook and Instagram.
Space is limited so reserve your place NOW; RSVP.