When the Dead Speak!

The dearly departed have a lot to say because of the efforts of talented cemetery reenactors who stand over a grave portraying the “residents” buried below, while resurrecting their stories and accomplishments.

I often say that the dash (-) Between birth and the death on a tombstone and is the most important part because it represents the story the person, their successes as well as their misfortunes. The words “Our Beloved wife…” hardly tells the full story of a life.

Many of us of us pass by graveyards never knowing the stories of the people laid to rest within.

Cemetery reenactments are a unique way keeping the past from fading away by telling those wonderful stories of the dearly (or infamously) departed.

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Cemetery reenactors really represent living history, combining acting and storytelling. They are the major feature of many cemetery tours in cemeteries across the country. Many of these cemeteries really come alive In October, leading up to Halloween A few cemeteries actually hold their tour by lanternlat night! Even though I love cemeteries, that would scare the daylights out of me!

Cemetery tours and reenactments are always very popular and often sell out quickly. Ticket sales help subsidize historical society or the cemetery itself.

Cemetery reenactors, sometimes called spirits, dress in authentic dress that best befit the person that they are reenacting. The women might have a long Victorian gown, a shawl, or a pair of white lace gloves. The men are dressed in their finest and even possibly a top hat, all determined by the character that they are portraying and the era in which the person lived..

Many are self-described history buffs, anxious to bring a story back to life, taking on the role of another person, someone long gone, whose inner life they are trying to convey to us.

There is a great deal of research and preparation that goes into becoming a cemetery reenactor including studying historical documents, learning as much about the person as possible, practicing and memorizing the lines and most important striving to balance history, humor and reverence.

Historical reenactments are, of course, nothing new. Modern war reenactments gained popularity during the Renaissance festivals with their turkey legs and jousting, aim to take spectators back to 16th-century England.

Reenactments are important for bringing to life to the long-silenced voices of those who came before us. They were real people with families and lives who endured joy, pain, success, sorrow and misfortune. They offer us lessons that we can learn from today.

If you have enjoyed this story or have actually seen Cemetery reenactors on a cemetery tour, please leave a comment below.

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Thanks for reading, Barry Fleig

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