Local historian Bob Comeau will lead a free one-hour historical tour of Easthampton’s St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Cemetery on Saturday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to noon. This cemetery, located on Mayher Street, stands as a testament to the early Polish immigrant community of Easthampton that began in the late 19th century. Driven by the division of Poland between Prussia and Russia from 1795 to 1918, Polish immigrants chose to maintain and practice their culture and customs in this new country.

Today, St. Stanislaus Cemetery has more than 2,400 memorial records that include many prominent Easthampton residents. Though the demographics of Easthampton have changed due to population shifts, St. Stanislaus still remains an important institution for those of Polish heritage. This tour is sponsored by the Holyoke Preservation Trust and the Easthampton Cultural Committee, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Bob Comeau hosts other historical tours and talks in Holyoke and surrounding towns. There are two other tours in Easthampton scheduled later in the year. Check out the listing at holyokecanaltours.org and make donations to the Holyoke Preservation Trust.Please wear comfortable shoes and prepare for being out in the grass. Park at the back of the cemetery.

Nancy Natale

Easthampton