Voices of Elmwood is back for the 16th year at Rosehill-Elmwood Cemetery. The performances tell stories of 10 people in Owensboro’s history, with volunteer actors speaking to audiences as they tour the cemetery on trailers with seatbacks.
The event was created by the Owensboro Museum of Science and History. Actors don historically accurate costumes, and each story has been researched with the help of Daviess County Public Library.
The stories take a year to research and create. Researchers whittle the list of potential figures to highlight down to 15 in a preferred order, and the writers choose which they want to take on. If necessary, they make last-minute substitutions because of a story that is so special or relevant to the time.
“The stories are serious, tragic, funny, light-hearted, and heartbreaking,” said Kathy Olson, CEO of the Owensboro Museum of Science and History. “We include racially diverse people and really try to give representation to all. It is a community in the 19th century we are bringing back, 10 people at a time.”
The nightly tours will take place September 21-23, September 28-30, and October 5-7. Performances begin at 6 p.m. each evening. Wagon rides take off about every 10 minutes, with the last one departing at 9 p.m.
In October, the event will also offer “tent shows,” allowing larger groups or viewers who prefer not to ride the wagon a chance to take in the performances.
Wagon guides and tent show hostesses provide additional historical information throughout the performances. The tours last about an hour and are not recommended for children under 12. Riders are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before their wagon’s departure or tent show performance.
