PORTLAND, Maine — Every year in late October, the nonprofit Spirits Alive tries to get people to stop by Eastern Cemetery on Munjoy Hill in Portland. The organization is dedicated to preserving the cemetery, which was established in 1668, and one way to spark people's interest is to show them the property and tell them tales of its history.
For newcomers there may be no better introduction to Eastern Cemetery than Walk Among the Shadows, an event that Spirits Alive is presenting Oct. 17-20 and 24-27. Each year, Spirits Alive chooses a different historic theme or story, and with professional actors portraying various characters, presents a lively tour that shows the connections between the graveyard and that slice of history.
This year’s Walk Among the Shadow focuses on the Portland Rum Riot of 1855, an actual event that involved "prohibition, politics and protest." It unfolded at City Hall, just down the hill from the cemetery.
The tours are done in the dark and even though there's no tie-in with Halloween, the experience can leave some guests a bit spooked. "While this is a family show," Spirits Alive cautions, "the cemetery setting, as well as some topics and visuals, may be upsetting to some. Discretion is advised."