The Historical Society of Long Beach is set to host the 28th Annual Historical Cemetery Tour on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Long Beach Municipal and Sunnyside Cemeteries. This lively event invites all ages to experience history in a new way, with community-theater actors bringing to life the stories of the people resting beneath the headstones.
This unique, family-friendly tour features eight graveside vignettes that tell the tales of extraordinary lives, untimely deaths, and the everyday people who helped shape Long Beach. These 10-minute performances, in period-appropriate costumes provided by the Long Beach Playhouse, are repeated throughout the day, allowing visitors to catch every story.
Among this year’s highlights is the story of William Willmore, whose ill-timed business ventures gave rise to the area that would eventually become downtown Long Beach. Another crowd favorite is “Saving Poly,” an engaging look at how parents united in the 1970s to preserve Long Beach Polytechnic High School. From a romantic getaway to Paris to the life of women journalists breaking barriers in a male-dominated world, each performance brings a slice of history to life in a fun, approachable way.
The Cemetery Tour isn’t just about performances. Guests can also explore a Día de los Muertos installation, chat with local authors, and create origami cranes as part of a special exhibit honoring the legacy of the Takahashi family, whose bird-making business thrived even during their incarceration in World War II.
“This event is not about spooks or scares,” says Karen Harper, a community historian involved in the tour. “It’s a joyful, educational day that makes Long Beach’s rich history accessible to everyone.”
The Historical Society of Long Beach ensures that the event is inclusive, with improved accessibility for those using wheelchairs or walkers, thanks to a new ramp and pathways provided by the City of Long Beach.
Visitors are encouraged to pack a lunch and enjoy a relaxing picnic under the trees. Free water stations are available, courtesy of Long Beach Utilities, so don’t forget to bring your reusable bottle!
Presale tickets are available for $25, with day-of tickets priced at $30. Youth tickets (ages 5-18) are just $8, making it an affordable day of fun and learning for families. Performances begin at 9:00 a.m. and continue every 20 minutes until 2:40 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive by noon to enjoy the full experience. Parking is limited, but nearby Willow Springs Park offers additional options, including bike parking for those arriving on two wheels.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Historical Society of Long Beach’s website.
It’s sure to be the most fun you’ll ever have in a cemetery!
