I would like to start by sincerely thanking our wonderful docents for the great talks and tours they gave this summer for our History Saturday in the Cemetery, and our Tuesday Evening Cemetery Stroll programs. The time they put into research, preparing and presenting their programs was very much appreciated by all who attended. My gratitude to the following: Pam Smith, Sherry Kramer, Leslee Parr, Lynn Ransford, Anne Peugh, Robert Hight, Joan Hess, Vivienne Grant, Lara Strazdas, Ellen Martin, Carolyn Embry and Pat Stancel.

I am very happy to report that the restoration work on the Mary T. Agnes Hanna plot was completed on July 17. A total of 136 hours of volunteer time went into this large restoration project. The project was finished approximately two months before expected and it was completed under-budget with only $1,871.60 of the $3,000 spent for materials. Our last chore was to clean Mary’s beautiful headstone—see photo taken by John McGlothlin who I had the pleasure of working with on this project.

Our Cemetery Kiosk project continues to move forward with Block number signs now in place all around the various areas of the City Section. We will now start working on an updated map as part of the project. The map will be placed in our new pavilion.

Finally, be sure to mark your calendars for Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5 when our Annual Meet the Pioneers Living History Tours return to the Silent City on the Hill. We have a great line-up of stories to share with you this year—a couple of murders, a clown, a thirteen-year-old bride, a town character, and much more. Tickets go on sale starting September 4, and we encourage getting your tickets early as this event normally sells out. Visit our website for complete details and additional information at www.friendsjvillecemetery.org.

Volunteers Needed for Meet the Pioneers—If you would be interested in volunteering to help sell tickets, direct traffic, help board the shuttle buses, or guide tour groups around the tour route, please let us know by sending an email to info@friendsjvillecemetery.org.

Cemetery Events and Activities
• Wednesday, September 4, Tickets Go on Sale for “Meet the Pioneers” Cemetery Tours: Ticket booth in between Post Office and Visitors Center, 10:00am-1:00pm and online: friendsjvillecemetery.org
•Saturday, September 21, 9:00am, Marker Cleaning Workshop: Join us for this final workshop of the year and help us make a difference
• Friday & Saturday, October 4 & 5, Meet the Pioneers: Annual Jacksonville Cemetery event since 2006. See website for complete details: friendsjvillecemetery.org

Featured image: Meet the Pioneers 2018 by Ken Gregg