The City of Petersburg’s Department of Cultural Affairs, Arts and Tourism will sponsor the 13th Annual “Historic All Hallows Eve” event at Blandford Cemetery beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 31. Last year, nearly 200 people attended this event.
The focus of the hour-long guided walking tours will be the history of the cemetery and accounts of some of the city’s most interesting permanent residents. This year, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the tours will feature fascinating portrayals of soldiers Pvt. Robert Scott, member of the 1st United States Colored Infantry, and Pvt. Lawrence Berry, member of the Washington Artillery of New Orleans. Civilian portrayals will include Mary Logan, who will tell the history of the federal recognition of Memorial Day and Jane Minor, an African-American who earned her freedom by providing aid and comfort to the sick.
Event parking will be available at the gravel lot across from the Farmer’s Market, next to the McIlwaine House (corner of Cockade Alley and River Street) in Old Towne. There will be no parking allowed at the cemetery. Tour participants will board a shuttle bus and be transported to the Reception Center at the cemetery.
Reservations and ticket purchases must made in person and in advance at the Blandford Church Reception Center, 111 Rochelle Lane. Tour times are staggered and will begin every 20 minutes starting at 6 p.m. with the last tour beginning at 8:20p.m. Admission for the tour is $7.00 per person. The size of each tour group is limited, so an early reservation is recommended.
Hours of operation for the Reception Center are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For further information, please call (804) 733-2396.
For more information on City of Petersburg programs, please visit www.petersburgva.gov.