NORRISTOWN PA – An autumn festival and a murder mystery are expected to keep history lovers curious and excited in Norristown during October. They’re being presented by the Historical Society of Montgomery County.
On Oct. 19, making history entertaining
With what’s called its annual “Autumn Day” event, the society will thank its community supporters and friends with a fall afternoon of exploration, education, and entertainment.
Autumn Day is free to attend and open to the public, and will be held Oct. 19 (Saturday) from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at historic Montgomery Cemetery, 1 Hartranft Rd., West Norriton. Free parking is available.
Self-guided tours of the cemetery are available from 1-5 p.m., and a pet-friendly guide-led tour will begin at 1:30 p.m.
- Visitors on the self-guided tour can rely on a society brochure, as well as staff and volunteer assistance, to find a grave site, get answers to questions, and locate high-interest spots within the cemetery.
- The guide-led tour will cover the cemetery’s history, and some of the individuals buried there.
Society representatives note that the cemetery holds the remains of some of the most prominent citizens, veterans, and reformers in the county and nation among its roughly 6,000 graves. “From five Civil War generals, including Winfield Scott Hancock and John F. Hartranft, to many captains of industry, it tells the story of the nation through the lives it represents,” the society says.
At 2 p.m., visitors can meet Gregory Wojtera, a master falconer who trains and flies hawks, falcons, and owls for a variety of purposes including hunting, bird control, and education. He created his “Master of the Skies” program in 2014 to educate the general public about birds of prey and falconry.
Live music takes center stages at 3:30 p.m., with musician Richard Lentz performing popular songs from the 1950s through the 1980s. Visitors may want to bring a blanket or chair for comfortable seating.
Finally, at 4 p.m., visitors can engage in the “Cold Case Mysteries Tour,” an exploration of two cold cases in Norristown that date back to the late 1800s. Still unanswered is the question: “Who murdered Jane Dotts, Charles Garber, and Ivens Steinbright?” Society Curator Karen Ploch will uncover the stories surrounding the cases.
On Oct. 30, another murder mystery
Envision a warm day in March 1884, during which snow has melted and a river has freed itself of ice. A little boy discovers a bag in the water, and finds it contains … a headless body! Society Archivist Erica Slason examines this murder mystery from Montgomery County’s past, and pose new questions as well.
Will visitors be able to correctly identify the murderer? Can they determine exactly what happened?
The society’s sleuthing will be held Oct. 30 (Wednesday) from 6:30-7:30 p.m., again at the society headquarters, 1654 DeKalb St. Seating is limited. The mystery is free to attend for society members, but tickets for non-members will cost $15. Buy them by calling the society at 610-272-0297; or by sending an e-mail to contact@hsmcpa.org.
Photo provided to Travels With The Post by the Historical Society of Montgomery County
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