WILMINGTON, Ohio — The Clinton County History Center proudly presents the fourth-annual Talking Tombstones living history cemetery walk at Sugar Grove Cemetery.

This engaging event, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., brings history to life as local actors portray notable Clinton County residents, sharing their fascinating stories from beyond the grave.

The long-anticipated list of selected historical characters and community members portraying them includes:

· Sarah “Sallie” Hinman Fisher, beloved musician and wife of Wilmington Journal mogul, played by Rebecca Rudduck

· Laura Rudduck Swaim, female artist and wife of Swaim Canning Co. entrepreneur, portrayed by Shelly Cole

· Pianist Charles Fischer, voiced by Mike Insko, with live piano portrayal by Paul Shivers

· William “Old Cunny” Cunningham, the notorious Cincinnati grave robber, delivered by Ethan Powles

· Elousia Fitch King-Nichols, Daughters of the American Revolution chapter founder and local philanthropist, brought to life by Emilia Knisley

· Former Mayor, Congressman, and Secretary of State Charles Q. Hildebrant, portrayed by Jonathan Mckay

· And Adda Johnson Hains Hildebrant, local historian, reenacted by Molly Boatman

Guests entering through the front gate will be greeted by the ghostly presences of Darlene Kassner, Ann Kuehn, and Addie Mattingly, who will serve as the welcoming “front gate ghosts.” In addition, Mary Ann Raizk and Vicki Wilson will share the rich history of Sugar Grove Cemetery while dressed in historical costumes. Local funeral homes and Kirby Keltner, director of the cemetery, will also be onsite to answer any pre-planning questions.

Group tours will begin every half-hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets, priced at $25 for non-members and $20 for members, are available for purchase online and in-person at the History Center, with children 12 and under admitted free with a paying adult. Pre-sale tickets are strongly recommended as space is limited. In case of rain, a backup date is scheduled for Oct. 13.

The History Center is open for in-person ticket sales weekly on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:30-11:45 a.m. or 12:45-4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Proceeds benefit the Clinton County History Center’s ongoing mission and activities. For more details and ticket purchases, visit Clintoncountyhistory.org/talking-tombstones-2024/ or call (937) 382-4684.