To the casual visitor stopping to read its historic gravestones, the tranquil burial ground in the center of Essex, Massachusetts appears like any other old cemetery across New England. But in 1818, a bizarre course of events unfolded there when residents discovered that eight bodies had been removed from their graves! Guest speaker and historian Christopher Benedetto will discuss why the bodies may have been stolen from the burial ground, how the people of Essex reacted, and the mysterious figure at the center of this strange but fascinating incident in local history.

Admission is $7/non-members and $5/members. The Waterline Center is handicap-accessible.

Essex Shipbuilding Museum ‘ Waterline Center

66 Main St. (Rte. 133), Essex, MA

Tuesday, November 1, 7:30 PM

978-768-7541

About the Essex Shipbuilding Museum

The Essex Shipbuilding Museum tells the extraordinary story of a small New England village that built more two-masted wooden fishing schooners than any other place in the world. The Museum features antique shipbuilding tools, photographs, documents, and exhibits portraying the shipbuilding industry. Tours include video presentations and hands-on activities. A gift shop offers ship plans, maritime books, and other nautical memorabilia.