History Comes Alive: 15th Annual Guided Spirit Walks mark city’s Sesquicentennial milestone

The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is excited to invite residents to join and celebrate its 15th annual Guided Spirit Walks at Victoria Lawn Cemetery this month marking the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of St. Catharines. The popular program brings history to life through a guided walk and theatrical scenes throughout the cemetery.

“Our local history isn’t only found in textbooks and in our museum’s many exhibits – it walks right beside you during these tours,” said Kathleen Powell, City Supervisor of Historical Services and Curator. “For 15 years, our historical cemetery walks by our talented volunteer performers have connected people to the personal stories of the individuals who built this city. As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, these performances feel more meaningful than ever, offering a moving tribute to the figures who shaped our past.”

Incorporation as a City isn’t the only thing on the minds of the people of St. Catharines in 1876. Hear stories about our city on the eve of incorporation from the people who lived it. Familiar names on this year’s tour, all of whom are interred at the cemetery at 431 Queenston St. in St. Catharines, include:

• John Charles Rykert
• Thomas R. Brownlee
• Cornelia Collier
• Dency Copeland
• Martha Ann St. John
• Mary McCalla
• Daniel Webster Bixby
• John Latham Ranney
• Robert Lawrie
• Lily Wilson
• Sidney Rose Badgely

Hour-long performances will take place on the following dates:

• Thursdays: Sept. 10 and 17 at 7 p.m.
• Fridays: Sept. 11 and 18 at 6 p.m. and at 7 p.m.*
• Saturdays: Sept. 12 and 19 at 6 p.m. and at 7 p.m.*

*Please note: The following performances are sold out: Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. and at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. Waiting list registration is open.

Tickets are on sale now and available in advance only at $16.90 per person. Residents are strongly urged to secure a spot early, as space is limited and tickets are selling out. Tickets can be purchased by calling 905.984.8880 or online at stcatharines.ca/MuseumEvents. Tickets will not be available at the door on the evening of the tours.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the rich history of St. Catharines in an immersive and engaging way. For more information, visit stcatharines.ca/Museum.

Photo credit: Jeff Baker