Bartholomew County Historical Society’s Talking Tombstones event returns to the Columbus City Cemetery on Thursday, May 9.
The past steps into the present once again as the Bartholomew County Historical Society’s Talking Tombstones returns for its second year at the City Cemetery at 5:30 p.m. May 9 at both the 16th Street entrance or the 19th Street entrance.
Free parking will be behind Donner Center along 19th Street.
Organizers with the historical society and the collaborating Columbus Parks and Recreation Department who attracted 250 people last year for the first such event are hoping to see an attendance this year of 350 to 400 people, according to Diane Robbins, the historical society’s executive director.
As of Friday, about 100 tickets had been sold.
The gathering is the brainchild of Jared Anderson, the society’s collections manager and curator. He organized a similar event when he lived in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, during a college internship.
The event’s premise is simple: Area actors portray some of the city’s more notable deceased citizens.
There will be 30 stations to visit at attendees’ own pace.
Mark Owens will portray William McEwen. Greg Lewis will play Frederick Donner. Additionally, Jill Tasker will become Amanda Reed Brown, Julia Fisher takes on the role of Elizabeth Ruddick Nugent and Falicia Whited portrays Elizabeth A. Jones.
These are just a few of the actors participating in the event.
New this year are food trucks located in the parking lot off 19th Street.
Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite, at the Bartholomew County Historical Society Museum, 524 Third Street, or at City Cemetery the night of May 9. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 night of the event. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free.
Talking Tombstones is a fundraiser for the Bartholomew County Historical Society and Columbus Park Foundation.
Rain date is May 23. Due to the terrain of the cemetery, this event is not ADA accessible.
While there are many actors on the paved pathway, there are some off the path.
Organizers encourage those needing special seating to bring with them whatever is needed.
The historical society’s website and Facebook page will be updated the day of the event to reflect any changes due to inclement weather.
Information and tickets: bartholomewhistory.org/calendar.
