Bad weather forced the cancellation of the annual walking tour of the historic Wake Forest Cemetery from last Saturday to this, May 20. But no worry; no one there is going anywhere. (I know, it’s a bad joke.)
This Saturday, with fine weather, the cemetery on North White Street will look its best as visitors explore it from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The tour is free, and parents are encouraged to bring their children for a first-hand experience in town history.
This year there will be a special children’s hand-out highlighting interesting artifacts on the grounds. Designed for interaction between a child and their parents or accompanying adult, the photos and sites will help educate them about the historical significance of the cemetery as they locate significant places during the self-guided tour.
The special feature of the tour are the docents – family members and volunteers – who are stationed at several gravesites where they talk about the people buried there and their importance in the town when they lived. Also Frank Powell and other members of the local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will be there in uniform and talking about the men and boys who went into battle during the Civil War. Sometimes they bring authentic guns, even a small cannon, but that is not a promise.
There will also be women in 1860-era dresses and hats, and Scottish bagpipe players John and Emily Sprague.
The color guard for the opening ceremony will be members of the Wake Forest High School Junior ROTC under the direction of Col. Dimitri Belmont, and the young men and women will provide parking and other assistance.
The cemetery is at 400 North White Street, and parking will be available at the cemetery.
If you have a family member buried at the cemetery and would like to tell their story or would like more information, please contact Betty Pearce at 919-435-9570.
