Stonington Cemetery

FOUNDED: 1754

ADDITIONAL NAMES: N/A

AFFILIATION(S): N/A

HISTORY: Stonington Cemetery preserves an important chapter of the town’s African American history through the burial of members of the historic Third Baptist Church congregation, one of the region’s early Black churches. The cemetery serves as the final resting place for generations of African American residents whose lives, faith, work, and contributions helped shape the Stonington community during a time when their stories were often overlooked or underrepresented in historical records.

Though the Third Baptist Church was disbanded in the 1920s, the congregation directed the proceeds from the sale of the church property, along with its remaining funds, to the Stonington Cemetery Association to establish the Third Baptist Trust Fund for the perpetual care of the graves of Third Baptist Church members buried in Stonington Cemetery. The cemetery still contains the historic African American burial area associated with the congregation, including markers inscribed “Third Baptist Church Fund.” National Register documentation for Stonington Cemetery also specifically identifies these African American plots as having been organized by Third Baptist Church. Today, Stonington Cemetery is committed to preserving and sharing this history through ongoing research, documentation, and respectful stewardship of these gravesites. By recognizing the significance of the Third Baptist Church community and the individuals buried here, the cemetery honors their legacy and helps ensure that their stories remain an enduring part of Connecticut’s cultural and historical heritage for future generations

BCN Contact Information:

Daniel Hasson, Vice President, Stonington Cemetery Association

dphimage@gmail.com