A Walk in the Past
by Maddie Kelly

There is a wealth of history in cemeteries everywhere.

"Are you nuts? You've completely flipped your lid this time! Now you want a program where a bunch of people are going to hike around a cemetery and listen to someone talk about local history."

Thus were the words my mother said to me when I told her about my idea of a historical walk in our local cemetery — a "Walk In The Past"

I grew up across the street from an 80-acre cemetery where some of the gravestones date back to the early 1800s. This densely forested area provided us with many opportunities for play where we could escape from an otherwise very urban environment. It was a beautiful natural area in the middle of the urban jungle.

Realizing that cemeteries can be a perfect retreat for nature lovers and history buffs, I met with the two general managers of the Mount Greenwood Cemetery to discuss the idea of offering a history class in cooperation with the Oak Lawn Park District. The cemetery staff were delighted with the prospect, feeling it was a great public relations tool. In fact, the class has even generated business for the cemetery!

The class featured our Naturalist attired in the old fashion dress that was worn in the late 1800s. Groups of 10 to 25 participants were taken on a guided history tour through the cemetery. The discussion consisted of approximately 1.5 hours of local facts and folklore. Many of the area's founding fathers are buried in this cemetery. The majority of the research was completed with the local Historical Society.

The Oak Lawn Park District started out by offering two classes in the Fall and ended up adding three more due to popular demand. Autumn was chosen to conduct the first class because of the beauty of the changing foliage. The second set of classes was offered in the Spring. Due to the overwhelming response, more sessions were added.

The class drew participants from all over the Southwest Side. There are a lot of eager history and nature buffs looking for unique experiences. Your local cemetery may be just the right place to hold a "Walk In The Past."

About the Author
Maddie Kelly is the Superintendent of Recreation of the Oak Lawn Park District.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 37 November/December 1993