Cemetery tours

The Warren County Historical Society presents its annual Lantern Light Cemetery Tours led by its Historian, John Zimkus Sept. 7 at the Lebanon Cemetery on Silver Street. The tour pays homage to noted Lebanon citizens of the past, who were prominent, both at home and on the national scene. The tour will visit the graves of 20 prominent citizens where guests will meet the “spirit” of the departed.

The cost of the tour is $20 per adult, $10 for students under 18. Reservations must be purchased in advance.

Volunteers from the Glendower Historic Characters play the parts of the citizens of old. Dressed in costume, each character will emerge from the shadows from behind his or her tombstone and speak to the guests about their character’s life in old Lebanon and beyond.

Designed to be a local history lesson, the tour also provides music and theatre as the dear departed “come to life” at the hands of their costumed re-enactors. Famous 19th century opera star Laura Bellini opens the tour at her grave site with a little light opera. A violinist plays Civil War laments among the tombstones in the Civil War section and a “Shaker” sister sings songs meant to keep the devil away. The Lantern Light Cemetery Tour will thrill and educate at the same time.

The tours will begin before dark at 7 p.m. and end approximately at 9 p.m. Some parking is available at the cemetery gates.

This event is a fundraiser for the Warren County Historical Society and all proceeds will go to benefit Glendower Historic Mansion in Lebanon.

For reservations contact the Warren County Historical Society at 513-932-1817 or online at wchs@wchsmuseum.org.