Submitted photo A view of the Columbus City Cemetery.
Voices from Bartholomew County’s rich and colorful past will echo throughout the Columbus City Cemetery Thursday.
Such is the idea behind local volunteer actors and actresses via Bartholomew County Historical Society’s inaugural Talking Tombstones fundraiser from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at about 30 various gravesites of area settlers and notables ranging from Cummins Inc. founder Clessie Cummins to longtime arts supporter and preservationist Elsie Sweeney, who helped restore the Bartholomew County Courthouse.
The performers, dressed in period clothing, will speak for a few minutes each as those citizens and others as a way of literally bringing history to life. There may be time for questions as well, according to organizers.
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.
“It was well-received by the community,” Anderson said.
Weather reports have predicted sunny skies and a temperature in the low 70s. Tickets, priced at $15 with those 5 and younger admitted free still are available at the site on 16th Street (between Sycamore and Chestnut streets), at the history society museum at 524 Third St. and online at https://tinyurl.com/4whdrkvf.
All proceeds benefit the Bartholomew County Historical Society and the Columbus Parks and Recreation Foundation.
Ideally, Anderson said the nonprofit would like to sell 150 to 200 tickets. Organizers have not yet indicated if the gathering could become an annual or semi-annual event.
There is no rain date due to scheduling issues. Due to the terrain of the cemetery, it is not ADA accessible. While there are many actors on the pathway, there are some off the path. There will be no seating available.
