Mark your calendars for October 19, 2024, because Placerville, California, is about to get much livelier – ironically, in its cemetery. The annual Save the Graves Living History Cemetery Tours are back; this time, they’re bringing law and order to the Placerville Union Cemetery.
A Day Among the Dearly Departed
From 10 am to 4 pm, history buffs and curious visitors can stroll through the grand Victorian garden cemetery at 650 Bee Street. Don’t worry about getting lost in the past – the gates open at 9:30 am, giving you plenty of time to find your bearings before the spirits start their storytelling.
Meet the (Not So) Quiet Neighbors
This year’s theme is “Law & Order,” but don’t expect to see Detective Stabler or Jack McCoy roaming the grounds. Instead, you’ll encounter a cast of colorful characters from El Dorado County’s pioneer days. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill ghosts – they’re skilled actors in period costumes, ready to spill the tea on what life was like back in the day.
The Blair Brothers: Scotland’s Gift to El Dorado County
One of the highlights of this year’s tour is the story of the Blair brothers. These four Scottish lads decided to swap haggis for gold and immigrated to El Dorado County in the mid-1800s. Their legacy is as wide as the Atlantic they crossed, and you’ll get to hear all about their shenanigans straight from the horse’s mouth (or in this case, the actor’s mouth).
History: Now with 100% More Jazz Hands
Forget dusty textbooks and monotone lectures. These performances are scripted and historically accurate, but they’re anything but boring. Each character’s story is told “from beyond the grave,” which is a fancy way of saying the actors are committed to their roles. They might not be eligible for an Oscar, but they deserve a “Grave-y” performance award.
Choose Your Own Adventure (Cemetery Edition)
You’re free to wander the cemetery between performances like a Victorian-era flaneur. Keep your eyes peeled for interpretive signs that dish out extra gossip about the cemetery’s residents. You might discover a headstone carver with a flair for the dramatic or uncovering symbols that would make Dan Brown jealous.
Bring the Whole Family (Yes, Even the Moody Teenager)
This tour is a steal at just $20 for adults and free for kids 17 and under. Where else can you get a full day of entertainment, education, and mild spookiness for the price of a fancy coffee? Plus, it’s a great way to trick your kids into learning something during their weekend.
More Than Just a Walk in the Park (Cemetery)
The Save the Graves Living Cemetery Tours aren’t just about entertainment. They’re part of a larger effort to preserve and protect these historic sites. By attending, you’re not just having a good time – you’re helping to ensure that future generations can continue to learn from and enjoy these unique pieces of history.
Tips for a Grave-ly Good Time
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and tripping over a gravestone is not the kind of historical reenactment we’re going for.
- Bring a camera. You’ll want to capture the cemetery’s Victorian beauty and maybe catch a “ghost” or two on film.
- Pack some snacks: Time flies when you’re having fun with the deceased and don’t want your stomach growling louder than the actors.
- Keep an open mind: You might learn something new about your town’s history or discover a passion for cemetery preservation.
Why Cemeteries are the New “It” Spot
Believe it or not, cemetery tours are becoming popular across the country. They’re a unique way to learn about local history, appreciate art and architecture, and get fresh air. Plus, the residents are usually quiet and never complain about tourists.
Some cemeteries even host cocktail parties and music festivals. While Placerville Union Cemetery isn’t quite ready for “Tunes from the Tombs,” the Save the Graves tour perfectly blends education and entertainment.
The Grave Reality
In all seriousness, events like the Save the Graves Living History Cemetery Tours play a crucial role in preserving our local history. They remind us that the names on those tombstones belonged to real people with stories and dreams that impacted their communities.
So, this October 19th, why not spend a day with the dead? You’ll laugh, learn, and even leave with a newfound appreciation for the rich history buried under our feet. After all, as the old saying goes, “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” And in this case, those who know history get to enjoy a fantastic day out in Placerville!
Sources: visit-eldorado.com, savethegraveseldorado.org
Header Image Source: Photo by Kenny Stier on Unsplash
