By Paul Leach
Correspondent
CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Costumed historians will portray a variety of Cleveland’s 19th- and 20th-century residents on the Fort Hill Cemetery walking tours this Sunday afternoon. Lee University history students and volunteer actors will play the featured graveside personalities.
“The students research historical Cleveland, and they bring public history to life in a creative way,” said Randy Wood, professor of humanities at Lee University.
Lee’s Department of History and Political Science sponsors the annual fall cemetery tour, in partnership with the Bradley County Historical Society and the Museum Center at Five Points.
IF YOU GO* What: Fort Hill Cemetery Walking Tour.* When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday.* Where: Fort Hill Cemetery, Cleveland, Tenn. Park at Boys & Girls Club, 385 Third St., NW, for shuttle service.* Admission: $10 adults, $5 students.* Phone: 423-614-8137.* E-mail: rwood@leeuniversity.edu.
Wood said the cemetery tour is part of a recurring student service project program. The university’s history department also offers guided tours of historic downtown Cleveland each spring.
Lisa Lutts, executive director of the museum, said the Fort Hill Cemetery event is a great way to hear Cleveland’s story. She has assumed the role of featured Clevelanders on the tour and advised the character lineup changes each year.
According to a Lee University news release, this year’s tour will include Andrew Jackson Fletcher, Lester Lee and Minnie Haggard Woollen, Dr. Sarah Grant, Luke and Addie Harle, Thomas Cate, and Napoleon Bonaparte Hicks.
Each tour lasts for about an hour. A shuttle service from the Third Street Boys & Girls Club will be available.
Proceeds from the tour benefit Lee University’s William Snell Memorial Scholarship and the Bradley County Historical Society.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. E-mail him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.