A guided living history tour of one of Texarkana's oldest cemeteries is offered by the Texarkana Museums System.
Costumed interpreters will bring Texarkana’s past to life at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 7.
Twilight Tours will continue at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 1301 Texas Boulevard. Tickets cost $15 or $10 for TMS members.
The city of Texarkana has over 25 cemeteries within its boundaries. The Sacred Heart Cemetery, one of the most historical places in the city, has burials dating back to 1874.
“The first burial here took place in 1874, just a few weeks after the city was established,” says TMS Curator Jamie Simmons. “The land was donated by Robert Rodgers, the man who created State Line Avenue. Sadly, it was his own daughter who was the first buried here.”
There will be performances by Bobbye Henry, who portrays Mrs. Frances Rodgers; Ruby Hildreth, who portrays Sister Justine, who founded Saint Agnes Academy; and several other town founders and early settlers.
“The first decade of Texarkana’s existence was a time of great growth.” shared TMS Board President Velvet Hall Cool. “Rich and poor, our earliest settlers laid the foundation for who we are as a community today.”
There will be a guided walking tour, so guests should dress appropriately. The tour route is wheelchair-friendly, and TMS Staff is available to assist as needed.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are on sale now at TexarkanaMuseums.org/Events. Unfortunately, parking is not allowed in the cemetery. For information or directions, please contact TMS at 903-793-4831.
Every first Saturday of the month through December, the Texarkana Museums System holds guided living history tours of historic cemeteries.
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