They’re not exactly ghosts, but the actors involved in the Long Beach Historical Society Cemetery Tour specialize in telling the stories of the people — prominent and not — who lived in a younger Long Beach.
The 25th Cemetery Tour, during which people are encouraged to stroll through Sunnyside and municipal cemeteries and hear the stories of their residents, will return later this month after being absent last year due to of the pandemic.
This year’s event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, the day before Halloween. The cemeteries are at 1095 and 1151 E. Willow St.
“We are all very excited,” said Julie Bartolotto, executive director of the Historical Society. “We can finally do a live program.
“Sales are going well and we have more volunteers than ever,” she added. “If that’s any indication, this might be our biggest tour yet.”
Each year, eight to 10 historical figures are chosen, researched and given a monologue to tell their story.
But this year, there are a few new approaches to help mark the 25th anniversary. One story is presented as an imaginary forensic investigation into the deaths of three members of the Hartman family, including the alleged perpetrator.
Additionally, scholars have delved into the difficulties of the Modoc tribe to give relevance and perspective to the story of Isabel Hamner and her mother Rosie Moore, who were members of the tribe. The result tells the story of the individuals but also the injustices they and their tribe have suffered.
There will also be more activities in addition to presentations at the cemetery. The history of the cemeteries themselves will be explored, as will the traditions of Dia de los Muertos.
Historian Craig Hendricks has one of the most compelling stories – that of the spies in Long Beach during World War I. And Hendricks, Renee Simon, Claudine Burnett, Louise Ivers and Gerrie Schipske will sign their books, which will be available for sale.
The EJ Pub will serve lunch at the event and the historical society will sell water, sodas and snacks. People will be asked to wear masks when queuing to buy tickets or food, but that’s the only COVID-19 requirement, Bartolotto said.
Parking near cemeteries can be difficult, although it is free. There are a few spaces in the cemeteries, which usually fill up early. Additionally, there are lots at Willow Spring Park on Orange Avenue and a lot at 2600 California Ave. People have to walk from the grounds though.
Another benefit, Bartolotto said, was the city taking over maintenance and operations of Sunnyside Cemetery. Once owned by a non-profit group, the land was overgrown, brown and riddled with marmots.
“The overgrown gravestones have been cleaned up and the groundhog issue has been resolved,” Bartolotto said. “The ground is solid now.”
Tickets are available in advance at hslb.org — $25 for non-members, $20 for members, $8 for ages 5 to 18 and $1 for ages 4 and under. Tickets at the door are $30 and $25 respectively, with no reduction for youth.
