An evening of history, mystery and local heritage

ATHENS—The Mount Hope Cemetery Association will host its fifth annual Historical Walk on Saturday, October 3, once again bringing an evening of history, mystery and local heritage.

The event is organized by Sheila Brady, a retired Greenville school teacher and president of the Mount Hope Cemetery Association. Brady, who has led the walk since its inception, describes the cemetery as a record of the community itself, with burials dating from the 1700s to the present.

"This is positively a community sponsored and driven event," Brady said. "It is really anticipated by the community of Athens."

Brady has stressed that the walk is intended as a historical and academic program focused on the history of the Town of Athens and New York State, not as a seasonal entertainment event, despite its October date.

Attendees are invited to "Stroll the past... discover the stories... experience the history."

The cemetery is comprised of five sections where the walk will be held: the Christian section, the Quaker section, the Episcopalian section, the 1849 section, and the Annex section. Established in 1849, the cemetery association’s motto is, "Preserving the Past to Protect the Future."

**This year's program will include historical reenactments and graveside talks. Stories will include a Civil War veteran, a woman who served as editor and publisher of the Athens News in the 1800s, and Athens store owner Nat Vizzie—a presentation by her own niece.

Additional featured stories for the evening include The "Crying Boy" Gravestone Legend, The Cemetery Suicide Story, and The Caretaker's House History.

A museum table will also be hosted by Robert Brunner, Jr., who will present on the history of the brick industry in Athens.

And while speakers provide the historical talks at gravesites, some 40 volunteers work behind the scenes to make the event possible.

Community partners include the Athens Community Foundation and the Athens Paddock Club, with whom Brady has partnered to secure grant funding for golf carts for disabled access, food, and groundskeeping costs. The Athens Pool will serve as a parking and meeting place for the event. Adams Fairacre Farms has donated donuts and cider.

Brady also credited the Greene County Historical Society and the Vedder Research Library for research support for the historical notes presented during the walk.

As a special addition this year, students from NYU will be videotaping the historical walk as part of a project documenting cemeteries.

Organizers encourage the community to come out and bring some comfortable shoes, a friend or two, and their curiosity about local history.

Tours run from 5-8 p.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery, located at 28 Market Street in Athens. Tours will depart every half hour and last approximately one hour each. A suggested donation of $10 for adults and $3 for children is requested.