The Friends of Columbia State Historic Park organization is once again hosting the Stories in Stone Cemetery Tour at the historic Columbia Cemetery on Sept. 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1. This once-a-year evening event will be led by costumed volunteers holding lanterns to light the way. Guests will stop at specific gravesites where stories of those who have lived and died in Columbia will be told by some very convincing characters. Listen to some funny, some sad and some horrendous stories from these people who lived during a different period of time and shaped the town’s history.

The docent Archives and Library committee have changed and rearranged some of the favorite stories for this year’s performance.

“Some stories will make you get chills. The actors always do such a great job of bringing the people to life,” said script writer Sherrin Grout. “It is always good for us to remember who was here before us and research more on their lives so we can continue to tell their stories.”

The tour begins promptly at 7 p.m. on Friday nights, Sept. 23 and 30 and Saturday nights, Sept. 24 and Oct. 1. The walking tour treads though hilly terrain so reasonable walking shoes are recommended. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the museum online at www.friendsofcolumbiashp.com. Tickets are $25 per person and all proceeds benefit interpretation and education programs in the park through the non-profit organization Friends of Columbia State Historic Park.

For information about the cemetery tour or other events in Columbia, contact the Columbia State Historic Park office at (209) 588-9128.