Harford County officials have approved a restoration project for the historic crypt of Captain John Clark Monk, a British‑born sea captain who died in 1827. The work, scheduled to begin on October 12, will be carried out by Baltimore‑based contractor A.R. Marani and a team that includes Carson & Gray masons, cemetery specialist Nathan Nardi, Hilgartner Natural Stone Co., and Towson University anthropological archaeologist Katherine Ahlrichs.
Project details
Monk’s casket, according to local legend, was suspended by chains inside a stone‑slab vault at the Episcopal graveyard of historic Spesutia Church in Perryman. The restoration will open the crypt, carefully remove the human remains, and install supports so the casket remains off the ground while repairs are made. New beams will be added to the crypt to stabilize the structure, and the team plans to leave a bottle of rum as a nod to the captain’s maritime life.
Historical significance
The swinging sailor legend has drawn visitors for decades, especially after the 2006 publication of Weird Maryland by Matt Lake. The church closed in 2012, and the Monk gravesite has been in need of serious maintenance for years. The upcoming work aims to “put things back the way they were, ready for another 200 years,” according to project lead Andrew Marani.
Community involvement
Ahlrichs will involve her students from the Baltimore Community Archaeology Lab, providing hands‑on experience in historic preservation. The project reflects Harford County’s commitment to preserving its unique heritage while engaging local educational institutions.
The restoration will also give researchers an opportunity to verify long‑standing questions about the legend: Was the captain’s coffin truly boat‑shaped? Was it soaked in rum? And was it really suspended by chains? Whether fact or folklore, the effort ensures the story will continue to intrigue visitors each Halloween season.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
