Join us at Waterloo Cemetery 15 minutes prior to show time and spend the evening strolling down the paths of the Cedar Valley’s past, as actors bring residents back to life through live historical interpretation.
This unique, living history experience is designed for the entire family. This is a walking tour so please wear comfortable attire, dress for the weather, and if coming to the 7:00 tour, bring a flashlight. The presentation will take place rain or shine. Each program will last approximately 90 minutes
Please note the change from previous years: This year, we are asking participants to meet Museum staff AT the Cemetery vs. being bussed from the Museum. Parking is allowed at Waterloo Cemetery.
This year’s cast of characters includes:
- Love Virden (1822-1910): Massachusetts native who was an early settler of Waterloo with her husband Oscar Virden in the summer of 1851. She was a stereotypical pioneer woman.
- Anna Speicher (1862-1938): Waterloo’s first, and one of the first in the nation’s, telephone switchboard operator, therefore contributing to the growth of the city.
- Pvt. Anthony Baker (1810-1872): Civil War veteran from Company A, 37th Iowa Infantry. Also known as “The Graybeard Regiment” since all the men were over enlistment age (45-80 years old).
- Albert Ham (1856-1912): Longtime resident of Black Hawk County, he was the first and youngest agent (AKA man in charge of the station or depot) for the Chicago Great Western railroad in Waterloo.
- Clyde Lamson (1873-1935) and Lillian Russell Lamson (1869-1946) namesakes of the Russell Lamson Building in Waterloo and former owners of the Grout Museum's Rensselaer Russell House Museum.
2 Show Times: 3:30 & 7:00 PM (please indicate which show time you are signing up for when registering)