The much loved Spirit Walk is returning on Sunday, September 18, hosted by Guelph Museums and Woodlawn Memorial Park.
The guided tours depart from Woodlawn Memorial Park, Guelph’s historic cemetery dating back to 1853.
Interestingly, Guelph’s original community cemetery was established in 1827 by John Galt, at the present day Baker Street Parking Lot. Urban Legend suggests that human remains have been found and moved to Woodlawn Memorial Park as recently as ten years ago.
“I think it is such a unique way of exploring Guelph history, in that we are bringing history to life through the character and spirits,” said Val Harrison, Guelph Museums Supervisor of Visitor Experiences.
The Spirit Walk allows for an inside look at many interesting historical figures who have lived in Guelph, with the intriguing and sometimes spine-tingling ambiance of a cemetery.
Some of these spirits include Walter Buchanan, a member of the cemetery commission since 1919, who died in 1947; George Wallace, the second burial in Guelph’s original cemetery in 1828; Elizabeth Jane Fry, a noted herbalist; Janet Blyth, an innkeeper from Marden; Minnehahah “Minnie” Clark, who was named by her 2 1/2 year-old brother, and was a Missionary in Africa; and Alexander Petrie, a pharmacist and prominent businessman who built the infamous Petrie Building.
Spirit Walks are led by Museum staff and Woodlawn Memorial Park staff, and will stay within the park for the duration of the tour.
Although the Spirit Walk is not an annual event, Harrison said that there have been sixteen Spirit Walks run by Guelph Museums over the years. Locations have changed, but Spirit Walk enthusiasts are excited to see the walk returning to Woodlawn Memorial.
“We are combining history and live theatre,” said Harrison, who added that she finds Minnehahah a very intriguing Spirit, especially because of her history as a missionary, and the amusing story behind her name.
The Spirit Walk groups will all meet at the Mausoleum located at Woodlawn Memorial Park, with tours starting at 1 p.m., 1:20 p.m., 1:40 p.m., 2 p.m., and 2:20 p.m. Each group can hold up to 25 people.
The Spirit Walk is 90 minutes in length, and dives deep into the rich history of the many Spirits of Guelph’s past. All ages are welcome, but Harrison advised that any attending must be comfortable walking and listening for the 90 minutes.
Tickets for the Spirit Walk are available in advance online.
For more information visit the event page on Guelph Museums website.
Have you been on a Spirit Walk?
