It’s back, and the stories are richer than ever before.
History among the Hemlocks – a Spirited Stroll through the Old Clarkesville Cemetery is a storytelling event featuring tales about four people who sleep beneath the native hemlocks.
Historic Clarkesville Cemetery Preservation, Inc. will stage this live, outdoor theatre event at the burial sites of the individuals.
This year the late Rev. William Eston Eppes, rector of Grace Church in the 1800s, will greet guests before tour groups travel back in time to meet four individuals:
• Annie May Sutton, a society woman who lived in Clarkesville
• Willis Millican, a young farmhand who died in a tragic accident
• Mary Parks Wyly, mother of Camillus Parks Wyly; CP Wyly perished on the battlefield at Fredericksburg
• Frederic Eugene Durbec, noted Civil War photographer and Renaissance man
“Each of these individuals has a captivating story to tell,” said E. Lane Gresham, who wrote the scripts for the production. “The stories are researched for historical accuracy and bring to life a time period gone but certainly not forgotten by those who work to support the restoration of this historic landmark.”
The event will run for three nights, with four shows per night. Admission is $40/person, and tickets are available via eventbrite.com. Tours are reserved in advance with a limited number of tickets available per 30-minute session.
Proceeds from ticket sales and donations will continue to fund the restoration and preservation work at the Old Clarkesville Cemetery.
Note: This is a walking tour taking place at dusk. Organizers will make every effort to create a safe walking environment, but please be expected to exercise caution navigating uneven ground. This event is not recommended for children 12-under.
The cemetery is located just off Jefferson Street, with the entrance arbor accessible on the E. Morgan Street side. Parking is available downtown and at Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church.
TICKET LINK:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/168848712043
Old Clarkesville Cemetery 
I’m a new Clarkesville resident. My sister, visiting from South Carolina, and I spent awhile in the cemetery this morning. We both were quite moved by many things including the children’s graves and the hemlock trees marking certain burial spots. We read many of the names and inscriptions aloud in an attempt to understand the generation interred there. Even though we are not related to anyone buried there, we still felt connected as daughters, mothers, and sisters. After all, those who have paved the way, for those of us living now, should be revered and honored. Thank you for your efforts to maintain and preserve this sacred ground. Sincerely,
Louise Priest Blackwelder and Elisabeth Priest Davis
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