POTTSTOWN PA – Learn about Pottstown residents who were important to its past, and helped shape the borough’s future, during October walking tours of Edgewood Historic Cemetery.
The cemetery, at 989 E. High St., has increasingly attracted the attention of area residents. Visitors in recent years have traveled to the cemetery to participate in a variety of activities, shows, and exhibits.
It follows the creation, growth, and work of a volunteer-run non-profit organization that provides support, raises funds, and performs and also pays for maintenance and upkeep at Edgewood.
Civil War leaders, local historic figures, and area military veterans are buried in the cemetery, many with unique and interesting biographies. They are among subjects intended to fascinate members of three separate tours. All are scheduled for Oct. 7 (2023; Saturday), with each limited to 20 participants.
Volunteer and local resident Kelly Fenstermacher “conducted extensive research into many of the more than 4,500 interments, dating back to the early 1860s and located on the cemetery’s 12 acres,” the Pottstown Mercury newspaper reported in July.
Put yourself on the list
Tour tickets cost $20 for adults, and $10 for students and children. A limited number of tickets remain available for purchase online, where donations to benefit progress at Edgewood also can be made.
Buy them quickly, though. The 2:30 p.m. tour was nearing capacity as of Tuesday (Sept. 12), and only slightly more tickets were offered for the 1:45 p.m. tour, ticketing webpages indicated. Only one adult ticket remained for the 1 p.m. tour, and all its student tickets were sold out, they added.
Organizers have said they are willing to offer a fourth tour at 3:15 p.m. if “overwhelming interest” warrants it.
Parking is said to be available at the left of the cemetery entrance. Participants are asked to check-in at the blue tent; check-ins can be accommodated 30 minutes before assigned tour times.
Those taking the tour are advised to “wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking on uneven surfaces, going up and down hills, and standing for about 2 hours,” organizers noted.
The event, The Mercury stated, supports the cemetery’s maintenance fund and its approximately $20,000 in annual mowing fees. It also will benefit an Adopt-a-Gravestone program to restore fallen headstones.
For more information or answers to questions, the ticketing webpages suggest to call or text Kelly at 610-506-7033.
Photos by Travels With The Post
Schwenkfelder Stories Ensure a Fun Lunch in Pennsburg