October can be a scary time for cemeteries. Halloween draws thrill-seeking party hounds and outright vandals who do serious damage to these heritage sites and genealogical treasures.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation recently took steps to mitigate that threat by declaring October “Historic Cemetery Month” in Oregon. Backed by Cultural Trust partner Oregon Heritage, and specifically the Historic Cemeteries Program, Oregon’s historic cemeteries have refused to be scary places in October, rather they are staging events that encourage sanctioned fun, raise awareness about the colorful characters buried on their grounds, and emphasize the need to preserve this piece of our state’s heritage.

According to Historic Cemeteries Program Coordinator Kuri Gill, three types of people visit cemeteries: The first group, history and genealogy aficionados, come to learn about the past, said Gill. The second group visits for personal reasons, usually to place flowers and commune with departed relatives. “For this group, it’s a burial place,” said Gill. “They are less comfortable coming for a tour, but you can open them up to the history part.” The third group is generally comprised of neighbors, “looking for a quiet place to sit or walk,” she said.

The October events are not necessarily Halloween-themed. Living history events and guided tours tell stories of the people buried in any given cemetery, many of whom had colorful backgrounds and died in mysterious ways. “There are a few spooky events, but typically the cemeteries avoid that,” said Gill. 

One small exception was the Marshfield Cemetery in Coos Bay.  Last year, to discourage vandalism and educate the public, the historic cemetery organized an event on Halloween night. Trick-or-treaters were handed a piece of eyeball candy in a bag with a note that said, “Help keep an eye on our cemeteries.”

The Historic Cemeteries Program has a mission to document historic cemeteries, provide technical assistance and preservation tools, trainings, workshops, grants and nonprofit development support. The organization sets up the infrastructure for the October events, and the cemeteries list their events. “The events raise community awareness,” said Gill, “and they help inspire people – to donate, to volunteer for a clean-up day…”

October events taking place for Historic Cemeteries Month are as follows:

 

The History Museum of Hood River County: 5th Annual Cemetery Tales, Friday, September 27th, Saturday, September 28th, and Sunday September 29th. Friday and Saturday performances start at 5:30 p.m. with nine tour times. Sunday’s performance at 2:00 p.m. Check in at the Hood River Valley Adult Center to begin this very special journey in an intimate and personal setting. Tickets are $15 each. All new stories and characters including Phillip Carroll, a Hood River man who lead the famine relief effort in Russia in 1921 and Jennie Shoemaker, who crossed the Oregon Trail to Pendleton and Hood River to become one of the early agricultural families of the valley. www.co.hood-river.or.us/museum. Add lasagna dinner for $9 on Friday and Saturday to support Hood River County Meals on Wheels. All proceeds benefit education programs and archive collection needs at The History Museum of Hood River County. Need more information, contact Connie at 541-386-6772. 

 

 

 

Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery is hosting “Graveyard Goodies”, a free, family-friendly Halloween trick-or-treating party featuring some of our most prominent ghosts.  On Saturday, October 26th from 12p to 3p, the cemetery’s gates will be flung wide for guests to wander the grounds and mingle with historic Portland spirits who have made impressive contributions to our community.  The ghosts will hand out candy, chat about their lives, and give autographs to kids (under 18 years old) so they can participate in a raffle drawing for prizes.  Questions may be directed to Wendy Palmer at FLFCwendy@Q.com.

 

 

 

 

Friends of Jacksonville Historic Cemetery hosts Meet the Pioneers, the 8th Annual Tour will be on Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12, 2013. The first tour departs at 4:00 p.m. and then every fifteen minutes until the the last tour at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are sold based on the departure time of the tour you would like to take and will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, September 11. The Jacksonville Visitor and Information Center will be handling ticket sales. They are located next to the Post Office on North Oregon and “C” Streets or by calling 541 899-8118. Adult tickets cost $12, Children 12 and under is $5 and a special family ticket for 2 adults and up to three children is $29.  Visit their website www.friendsjvillecemetery.org for additional details, photos and a short promo of the tours.