On Saturday, Oct. 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Historical Society of Long Beach invites history lovers and curious minds to partake in the 27th Annual Historical Cemetery Tour. This event will be held at the Long Beach Municipal Cemetery and Sunnyside Cemeteries, where whispers of forgotten souls stir in the breeze and infuse the air with a sense of history’s lingering presence.
Visitors are in for a unique experience as community theater actors breathe life into the stories of those laid to rest in these hallowed grounds. The event spans generations, with narratives ranging from extraordinary lives to extraordinary deaths, and even those of ordinary individuals who played pivotal roles in the community’s growth.
Image provided by the Historical Society of Long Beach.
This year, the spotlight falls on the Harnett family and their Pacific Squab and Poultry Farm. Claudine Burnett, an esteemed author, will be on hand to sign copies of her book chronicling the early days of this pioneering family. Additionally, Sharon Diggs-Jackson will shed light on the history of early African-American families. June Miyamoto Donovan, Thomas Amiya, and Karen Harper will take the stage to share the enduring legacy of Japanese American Terminal Islanders through traditional dance and Judo. Councilwoman Megan Kerr will be in attendance, and Councilman Daryl Supernaw, with familial ties to Sunnyside Cemetery, will regale attendees with his family’s history.
In addition to the enthralling performances, visitors will be treated to a Dia de los Muertos installation, historical displays, and much more. For those keen on taking a piece of history home, a merchandise booth will be available onsite, offering local history books, postcards, and reprints of invaluable historical photographs.
Image provided by the Historical Society of Long Beach.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch or refreshments. A tranquil rest area nestled beneath the trees of the cemeteries provides a perfect spot to recharge. Long Beach Utilities will generously offer complimentary water, so don’t forget to bring your own reusable bottle.
The performances will each last 10 minutes and repeat every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. To absorb the full spectrum of narratives, it’s recommended to arrive by noon.
While onsite parking is limited to compact automobiles, carpooling is highly encouraged. Cyclists will find dedicated parking for their bicycles.
Presale Tickets for this event are $25, and Day of Tickets are $30. Tickets for youth ages 5-18 are $8. Tickets are available for purchase online at https://hslb.ticketbud.com/2023-historical-cemetery-tour.
Image taken from hslb.ticketbud.com
