On the weekend of June 18th, 40 descendants of Deacon John Grave came together from 14 states to connect with their family’s history. Family members gathered at the Deacon’s house in Madison to reunite or to meet for the first time.
The visitors enjoyed house tours on Saturday, focusing on the Grave family’s genealogy and the house architecture. They enjoyed an explanation of the colonial farm tools on display and a demonstration of hearth cooking, including taste-testing the resulting pound cakes. Several of the Grave family children played colonial games. At mid-day, and with clearing skies, a catered lunch was held outside on the grounds.
The visiting family appreciated the role that slaves had played in the early history of the Graves and welcomed the addition of witness stones to the Madison property. The stones honored two named individuals, Stepney and Cate.
In the afternoon, family members visited West Cemetery, finding graves of their kin. That evening a pig roast was held at Hammonasset State Park.
On Sunday morning, the Grave family returned to the Deacon’s house for farewell conversations and the chance to share contact information before travel.
This event was a long time in coming, with postponements due to the late pandemic. The weekend’s gathering would not have been possible without the work of the
DJGH Board.
‘Twas a happening that brought good cheer to all participants!
