Dr. Bellantoni is a professional archaeologist and professor at the University of Connecticut. He has directed the Office of Connecticut State Archaeology for more than 20 years.

His career has also included the excavation of East Haddam's Revolutionary War remains, African graves in Bridgeport, 17th-century Pequot cemeteries and more.

More than 16 years ago, a chance discovery in Griswold brought the archaeologist into unexpected realms: An exhumed, mutilated corpse associated with the surprisingly prevalent mid-19th century belief in vampires. Vampires were thought to be harbingers of disease, such as tuberculosis.

Admission is $5 for the general public and free for club members.

The Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Sunday of each month in the Research and Collections building at the Institute for American Indian Studies.

Those seeking additional information may call Lucianne Lavin, the Institute for American Indian Studies' archaeologist and director of research and collections, at 860-868-0518, ext. 109.