The Museum of Darien will host the lecture: Hiking Ruins of Southern New England, by Nicholas Bellantoni, Connecticut state archeologist, emeritus, on Thursday, May 9, from 7 to 8 pm.

— an announcement from the Museum of Darien

Bellantoni will bring his passion for history and archeology to life by narrating various hikes through Revolutionary War history, stone ruins, “castles,” and areas of natural beauty on public lands open to hiking — all illustrated in his new book available at Barrett Bookstore in advance, and on the museum website.

Bellantoni serves as the emeritus state archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and is adjunct associate research professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut.

He received his doctorate in anthropology from UConn in 1987 and was shortly thereafter appointed state archaeologist. His duties were many, but primarily include the preservation of archaeological sites in the state.

He is a former state commissioner for the Commission on Culture and Tourism and sat on the State Historic Preservation Council for over 12 years. He is a former president of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut and the National Association of State Archeologists.

His research background includes the analysis of skeletal remains from eastern North America. He has been excavating in Connecticut for almost 40 years.

If You’re Going …

The lecture will run from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 9 at the Museum of Darien, 45 Old Kings Hwy. North.

Admission to the lecture is $25 for Non-Members, $20 for Members. You can register and pay here.

For questions, call (203) 655-9233.