Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Emeritus State Archaeologist, joins CT Humanities Board of Directors
March 30, 2022 • Press Release

For Immediate Release
March 30, 2022
Contact: Aimee Cotton Bogush | abogush@cthumanities.org | 860-937-6648
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Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni, Emeritus State Archaeologist, joins CT Humanities Board of Directors

MIDDLETOWN – Connecticut Humanities (CTH) today announced that Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni was elected to its Board of Directors earlier this year. A Newington resident, Dr. Bellantoni serves as the emeritus state archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History at the University of Connecticut. His book, The Long Journeys Home: The Repatriations of Henry ‘Opukaha’ia and Albert Afraid of Hawk, was a finalist for the 2019 Connecticut Book Awards. Dr. Bellantoni is also a leading expert on vampire folk history traditions in the region.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Bellantoni join our Board of Directors,” said CTH’s Board Chairman Lew Wallace. “One of Connecticut’s most beloved figures, Dr. Bellantoni has served in the public humanities for decades. He understands the importance of preserving history, discovering lessons from the past, and connecting the public to our state’s stories. We are thrilled he will lend his expertise to our work.” Bellantoni will serve on CTH’s Application Review Committee. His term runs through June 2023.

“I have known and admired Nick for more than 40 years and it’s an honor to have him join our board. Nick’s contributions to Connecticut archaeology, to positive tribal relations, and his stewardship and protection of our cultural resources set examples for all of us to follow. More than that, his passion for public humanities is infectious and I know he will continue to delight and inspire new audiences through his additions to our digital platforms,” stated Dr. Jason Mancini, Executive Director, CTH.

Nicolas F. Bellantoni’s Bio:

Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni serves as the emeritus state archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History at the University of Connecticut. He received his doctorate in anthropology from UConn in 1987 and was shortly thereafter appointed state archaeologist. He also serves as an Adjunct Associate Research Professor in the Department of Anthropology at UConn, and is a former president of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut and the National Association of State Archeologists.

Connecticut Humanities’ Board of Directors meets quarterly and is responsible for reviewing grant applications, setting policies, reviewing budgets, assisting in the fundraising process, participating in committee work, and serving as an important link between CT Humanities and the public.

CTH is Connecticut’s only statewide non-profit organization focused broadly on supporting access to and providing funding for public humanities through grant funding and capacity building. CTH grants have supported a variety of projects and organizations for more than four decades.

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