In Memorium

By Carol McCracken

Spirits Alive is continuing with its popular guided tours of Portland’s oldest bural ground, Eastern Cemetery, in August.

The schedule is as follows:

SUNDAY, 16th at 1 pm Earliest Portland – the Unmarked Past. In 1632, settlers began arriving at the place we now call Portland.  No buildings remain standing from that time.  The open land of Eastern Cemetery is an appropriate site to learn about some of the events of the 17th and early 18th centuries that occurred within sight of the cemetary while they shaped Portland’s indomitable spirit.

SATURDAY, 29th at 10 am – Art & the Elements.  A fascinating inroduction to the gelology of the Eastern Cemetery, including markers and monuments; a brief introduction to early mortuary art and the effects of the environment on the site.

SUNDAY, 30th at 10 am – Earliest Portland – the Unmarked Past.

Please meet at the Congress Street gate of the Eastern Cemetery.  Admission is $7, students and elders (62 and up) $4  and children under 12 are free (please have correct change or a check.)  Tours last about l hour and will be canceled if it rains.  All funds raised go to the non-profit, Spirits Alive, to maintain the Eastern Cemetery.  Wear appropriate layers as the wind is always a bit stronger on the Hill!

For more information, visit www.spiritsalive.org/tourschedle.  For cancellation information in case of bad weather, call the tour hotline at 318-2982.