Meet local deceased during Walk Among the Shadows

Walk Among the Shadows

Oct 25-27, 2012 | $10 | Eastern Cemetery, Portland

Professional actors from Acorn Productions present living history performances of some of Portland’s famous historic characters who are buried in Eastern Cemetery. To commemorate the War of 1812, the non-profit group Spirits Alive has organized this year’s theme of “On Land and at Sea – Portland in the War of 1812.”

The Eastern Cemetery is Portland’s oldest graveyard, at 344 years old, and on the list of National Historic Landmarks. This year Greater Portland Landmarks listed Eastern Cemetery as one of seven “Places in Peril.” “This property needs significant investments in order to prevent complete deterioration,” said Greater Portland Landmarks.

Spirits Alive is the non-profit organization formed in 2006 and dedicated to the preservation of Eastern Cemetery. “Walk Among the Shadows” is the year’s largest fundraiser. The event occurs at Eastern Cemetery October 25, 26, 27, leaving from the Congress Street gate every 15 minutes from 6:30 to 7:30. Admission is first-come, first-served with a $10 fee ($5 for under 12).

Performance tours occur every 15 minutes. Performances of historic characters are informed by research and dramatic, but suitable for all ages. Actors perform at gravesides as participants tour in groups throughout the cemetery; each Walk Among the Shadows performance lasts about 45 minutes. Our specters, ticket-takers, organizers, and actors are all volunteers.

Half of all proceeds raised go to Spirits Alive to help them maintain, improve, and preserve the Eastern Cemetery and the other half go to Acorn Productions, a non-profit performing arts group. Please help us continue to keep the gates open to this National Historic Landmark so that everyone can benefit from this spectacular historic site. Generous event sponsors include: Coffee By Design, CycleMania, KnitWit Yarn Shop, and Portland Daily Sun. For more information, see www.spiritsalive.org/wats or www.facebook.com/spiritsalive .

• Eastern Cemetery Congress St. Portland, ME 04101 www.spiritsalive.org Get Directions 6:30- 7:30 pm Thur-Sat, $10/$5 children under 12