Life at the Cemetery | 2022 Tours
Graveyard. Cemetery. Churchyard. Burial Ground. Memorial Park. Necropolis.
We often associate these spaces with fear or grief. Horror films have delivered a ghastly notion of what one might discover if they choose to explore. In an era of a 90% cremation rate, some ask if cemeteries are still relevant. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing cemeteries through other lenses: a historical stroll in time. A connection to community. A piece of culture, value, symbolism, tradition and memory.
Our culture and our families are having trouble trying to figure out how we might talk about death, dying and end of life. What if we could take some of the mystery and fear out of death? What if we could even enjoy the experience? This fall, I’m leading an uncommon adventure: a cemetery bus tour through Strathcona County.
Three separate tours offer an opportunity to visit three different cemeteries.
Clover Bar Cemetery: annexed to City of Edmonton in 1997. This little gem is home to a large portion of Strathcona County residents. Maybe even your family or friends?
St. Margaret’s Cemetery: houses Metis, Catholic and community heritage. The historical church on this property dates back to 1912.
Colchester Cemetery: will provide a closer look at green burial and the movement that is growing. If you’ve ever been curious about green burial, bring your questions with you.
Josephburg Cemetery: holds community history dating back to the 1890s. It is still operated by a small volunteer group who will share a few stories and interesting tidbits.
Individually these properties have unique history, stories, challenges… and, what of their future use? We’ll spend about 45 minutes at each site, having time for interpretive discussion, demonstration and personal reflection.
We welcome history buffs, family tree aficionados, green burial enthusiasts, death doulas, financial planners, celebrants, musicians, new friends, and more.
Date Night/Sunset Tour
Saturday, August 27, 2022
4 - 9 p.m.
Includes light refreshments and an early dinner before we board the bus for Clover Bar Cemetery, Josephburg Cemetery and Colchester Cemetery. Take in the peace and serenity while enjoying our closing sunset ceremony with acoustic musical song and reflection moments.
Harvest Time Tour
Saturday, September 10, 2022
1 - 5 p.m.
Includes a full afternoon on and off the bus through Clover Bar Cemetery, Josephburg Cemetery and Colchester Cemetery.
Sunday Autumn Afternoon
Sunday, September 18, 2022
1 - 5 p.m.
Includes a full afternoon on and off the bus through Clover Bar Cemetery, St. Margaret's Cemetery and Colchester Cemetery
Door prizes, a tombstone scavenger hunt and likely the worst death puns you ever heard will ensure a unique experience. I hope you can join us as a tombstone tourist for a few hours of friendship, fun and camaraderie.
