Ghosts and Gravestones
The tours involve actors and actresses who dress up like past residents. The actors and actresses then stand by their characters’ gravestones and tell their characters’ life stories, giving current residents an opportunity to learn about the town’s history through testimonials. Seven people have volunteered to be actors and actresses, even those who are not Leyden residents such as historic costume designer Reba-Jean Shaw-Pichette. Featured characters include Matthew Severence, a Vermont native who escaped from capture by Native Americans in 1758 and later settled in Leyden, and Harriet Severence, who was born in Leyden and kept a detailed diary illustrative of life in the 1800s.
“Ghosts and Gravestones” includes more than simply cemetery tours. The locally produced, 1973 documentary on early farming life in the area, “Root Hog or Die,” will be screened continuously at Leyden Town Hall, where guests can enjoy refreshments, purchase T-shirts or participate in a raffle. Children can get creative with Halloween-themed crafts at Town Hall as well, and the Historical Commission is considering screening an after-tour spooky film. Outside, the Leyden Fire Department will oversee a bonfire. Tours leave from the Leyden Town Hall every half an hour starting at 5 p.m. Guests will park in the town center and travel down to South Cemetery by tractor-drawn hay wagon. Attendees are encouraged to bring umbrellas because the tours are held rain or shine, as well as sturdy shoes and flashlights.
Presented by the Leyden Historical Commission. Fundraiser to to store town artifacts, the event will support both archival digitization and preservation
Date and Time
Saturday Oct 7, 2017
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
Saturday, October 7, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. - tours every 1/2 hour.
Location
South Cemetery on Greenfield Road, in Leyden (Guests will park in the town center and travel down to South Cemetery by tractor-drawn hay wagon)
Fees/Admission
While registration is not required, guests are encouraged to reserve a seat on the hay wagon. Historical Commission has a new website this year at www.leydenhistory.org, those interested in signing up for a tour can now do so online.
Website
Contact Information
Ginny at 413-774-2694
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