Pilgrimage: History to come alive
Published 9:55 pm Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Hear a haunting tale of love lost, the loud cackle of an inebriated lawyer, the adventures of “Indiana Jones” and see the southern flirty-charm of a Southern belle Friday night at Pilgrimage’s interactive cemetery tour.
The tour, scheduled for historic Old Live Oak cemetery from 6-9 p.m. will give visitors a chance to hear the stories of famous politicians, feminists, war heroes and a former slave among others, who’ve been buried in the plots.
“Selma just doesn’t realize how much history it has,” Maggie Davies, chairperson for the event, said. “You don’t have to go anywhere to find mystery, history and intrigue. Come to the cemetery to listen to the stories.”
Actors from Off Broad Street Productions will dress up in character to play the ghosts of such public figures as Abraham Lincoln’s sister-in-law Martha Todd White and George Gayle, a loud mouth lawyer from Cahaba who was known for his extravagant parties.
In the past, the theatre company has played civil rights activist and martyr Viola Liuzzo and this year, a new ghost will debut.
“This year we will feature Gen. Woody Davis who fought in World War II, the Korean War and in Vietnam,” Davies said. “He was shot behind enemy lines in Germany. I deal with American history not just Selma history.”
Davies said the tour is an opportunity for visitors, as well as natives, to relearn their histories.
“The cemetery is not a scary place but its relaxing,” Davies said. “More people need to come to the cemetery because this is our history.”
The cost of the tour is $10. The public is encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to bring flashlights.
Tickets for the event can be purchased Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum.