Albion Cemetery Summer Tours: Unearthing History on Sunday Evenings

Orleans County Celebrates Bicentennial with Series of Historic Cemetery tours

ALBION – The Orleans County Past Association is set to host a captivating series of cemetery tours throughout August, delving into the county’s rich 200-year history. These tours, curated by local historians, will illuminate the stories of prominent figures and significant events that shaped Orleans County, coinciding with its bicentennial festivity.The series kicks off on August 3rd at Mount Albion Cemetery in Albion, guided by village historian Sue Starkweather Miller and retired county historian Bill Lattin. Attendees will explore the area around the iconic tower, a memorial to 463 Orleans County residents who perished in the Civil War. The tour will highlight influential pioneers like Nehemiah Ingersoll and the fascinating narrative of how Albion secured its status as the county seat.On August 10th, the focus shifts to Robinson Cemetery in Clarendon, where town historian Melissa ierlan will lead a tour spotlighting Lemuel Cook, the last living pensioner of the American Revolution and a notable patriot.

The following week,August 17th,the Millville Cemetery in Medina will be explored by Shelby town historian Alice Zacher and county historian Catherine Cooper. This tour will feature the historic wooden chapel/memorial vault and striking monuments, including the gravestone of Asa Hill, a Civil War soldier who, despite a battlefield amputation, returned to manage his family farm.

Greenwood Cemetery in kendall will be the site of the August 24th tour, led by county historian Catherine Cooper. This excursion will commemorate the first Norwegian settlement in the United States, established in Kendall in 1825.

The bicentennial cemetery tour series concludes on august 31st at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Albion. Historians Catherine Cooper and Sue Starkweather Miller will guide visitors through the chapel, showcasing its exquisite stained glass windows, and to several significant gravesites.

All tours commence at 6 p.m. and are free of charge, though donations to support the Orleans County Historical Association’s preservation efforts are welcomed.

What accessibility accommodations are available for individuals with mobility challenges who wish to attend the Albion Cemetery tours?

A Walk Through Time: Exploring Albion’s Past

Albion Cemetery, a historic landmark nestled in the heart of our community, offers a unique glimpse into the lives of those who shaped our town.This summer, experience the cemetery’s rich history firsthand with our popular Sunday Evening Tours. These guided walks aren’t just about gravestones; they’re about the stories etched in stone, revealing engaging details about Albion’s founders, prominent citizens, and everyday people. These Albion Cemetery tours are a local favorite, drawing history buffs and curious residents alike.

Tour Details & Schedule

Our summer cemetery tours run every Sunday evening throughout July and August, beginning at 7:00 PM. Tours typically last between 60-90 minutes, depending on the group size and level of engagement.

Dates: Every Sunday, July – August 2025

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (approximate)

Meeting Point: Cemetery Entrance gate, 123 Oak Street, Albion

Cost: $10 per person (proceeds support cemetery preservation)

Reservations: Highly recommended! Space is limited. Book your spot online at [insert booking link here] or call 555-ALBION.

Notable Residents & their Stories

Albion cemetery is the final resting place for a diverse range of individuals. Our tours highlight several key figures:

Elias Thorne (1802-1878): Albion’s founding father and a successful merchant. Learn about his role in establishing the town’s first businesses and his contributions to local infrastructure.

Clara bellweather (1865-1912): A pioneering educator who established Albion’s first public school for girls. Her dedication to education left a lasting legacy.

Captain Silas Blackwood (1840-1905): A Civil War veteran and local shipbuilder. Discover his wartime experiences and his impact on Albion’s maritime history.

The Miller Family Plot: A poignant example of 19th-century family life and the challenges faced by early settlers.

These are just a few examples of the compelling narratives waiting to be discovered. Each tour delves into the lives of those interred within Albion Cemetery, offering a captivating local history experience.

What to Expect on a sunday Evening Tour

Our tours are led by experienced local historians and cemetery enthusiasts. They are designed to be informative, engaging, and respectful.

1. Guided Walk: the tour follows a pre-steadfast route through the cemetery, focusing on specific sections and notable gravesites.
2. Storytelling: Guides share detailed stories about the individuals buried in the cemetery,drawing on ancient records,genealogical research,and local lore.
3. Gravestone Symbolism: learn to decipher the hidden meanings behind the symbols carved into the gravestones – angels, weeping willows, and other motifs that reveal insights into Victorian beliefs and mourning practices. Gravestone art is a fascinating window into the past.
4. Q&A Session: Opportunities to ask questions and engage in discussion with the guide and fellow tour participants.

Preserving Albion’s Heritage: Cemetery Restoration Efforts

The Albion Cemetery Preservation society is dedicated to maintaining and restoring this vital historical site. Funds raised from the Albion Cemetery summer tours directly support these efforts, including:

Gravestone Repair: Stabilizing and repairing damaged gravestones to prevent further deterioration.

Landscaping & maintenance: Maintaining the cemetery grounds to ensure a respectful and accessible environment.

Historical Research: Conducting ongoing research to uncover more stories about those buried in the cemetery.

Digital Archiving: Creating a digital archive of cemetery records,including gravestone inscriptions and biographical data.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

To ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience, please consider the following:

Wear comfortable shoes: The tour involves walking on uneven terrain.

bring a flashlight: While the cemetery is partially lit, a flashlight can be helpful for navigating in the evening.

Dress appropriately: Evenings can be cool,so bring a light jacket or sweater.

Respect the environment: Please refrain from touching or disturbing the gravestones.

Photography is permitted: Feel free to capture the beauty and history of the cemetery, but please be respectful of others.

* Accessibility: The cemetery has limited accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. Please contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.

Recent Discoveries & Ongoing Research (2024-2025)

Recent genealogical research, spearheaded by the Albion Historical Society, has uncovered new information about several residents of Albion Cemetery. In early 2025,a previously unknown connection between captain Blackwood and a prominent abolitionist family was revealed through ship manifests and personal letters. This revelation adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Albion’s history and will be featured on upcoming tours. The