Dutch Funeral

Settled quietly on an upturned log a bleached skull greets those who arrive for the funeral.  The venerable Bronck stone house will again bear witness, as it must have done many times before, to the death rituals of early America.  On Saturday, October 21 at 4 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m., visitors have an opportunity to join in the services owed to the recently departed dead. 

As the end approached a prudent person followed the rules set out in the “The Rule and Exercise of Holy Dying”. The close family and the designated shroud neighbors witnessed the death. Then for a long night and day faithful friends kept a silent watchful vigil to be absolutely sure that no sign of life remained. Plainly but properly prepared for burial the body was placed in the dim, still house. The shutters are closed and the house prepared. A large batch of funeral biscuits had been made. The mourners begin to arrive and take their places. The Sin Eater hovers uneasily beside the open Dutch door. Soon enough the ringing of a single bell will accompany the mourners in solemn procession to the nearby Bronck burying ground.

Plan to visit the Bronck Museum on Saturday, October 21 to experience the death rituals of early America.  Bronck Museum is located at 90 County Route 42, Coxsackie, NY.  Adult admission is $10. Seating for this event is limited and offered on a first come first served basis. This event is made possible in part with public funds from the Greene County Legislature. For more information about Bronck Museum visit gchistory.org or call the Museum at 518-731-6490.