On Saturday and Sunday, September 28-29, the Augusta County Historical Society will sponsor “Conversations from the Grave.” This unique guided tour leads back in time through Staunton’s most beautiful final resting place, Thornrose Cemetery. The tour highlights the fascinating history, architecture, and historical figures who are buried there. Guides will discuss the early history of Thornrose, describing how it began as a simple graveyard on the edge of town, and later, thanks to the vision of one early Stauntonian, was transformed into a charming park-like cemetery, characterized by lush landscaping and the medieval fantasy architecture created by famed Staunton architect T.J. Collins.
However, this is more than just a graveyard tour. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to some of Thornrose’s most prominent citizens, brought “back to life” for a brief time to share their personal stories, achievements, heartbreaks, and, yes, even scandalous pasts.
Meet Denis Shanahan, a first generation Irish immigrant whose largely self-taught engineering skills brought him recognition as a keen problem solver during construction of the Blue Ridge Tunnel and other tunnels throughout the Albemarle County region. Visit General Robert Porterfield, the only known Revolutionary War officer to be buried at Thornrose, and a survivor of the infamous winter at Valley Forge. Learn about a resourceful young lady who smuggled notes across Northern lines to Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Find out how an errant school boy from VMI managed to survive a series of misadventures at the end of the Civil War and barely missed execution by a Federal firing squad. Also, meet Shelley Mann, an Olympic gold medalist in the 1956 summer games. And, last but not least, discover a scandalous piece of history as Marguiretta de Crescioli, the most famous madam in western Virginia regales you with her tales of life in an elegant Charlottesville brothel. These and other Thornrose residents will return briefly to offer amazing glimpses into their lives when they still walked among the living.
In addition, on Saturday, September 28, a magnificently restored 1880s funeral hearse will be on display at the cemetery. Owner and operator of Queen City Funeral Coach, LLC, Doug Britt, will be on hand in formal period funeral attire to talk about the history and restoration of this fully operational hearse.
And, finally, Thornrose Cemetery Company, the non-profit organization that has run Thornrose since its inception in the mid-19th century, will hold a short dedication at noon on Saturday, September 28, to honor past president, Dr. William Edward Armstrong, Jr., who passed away in 2012 after 40 years of continual service to the preservation and maintenance of the cemetery. The dedication will take place near the gatehouse entrance to Thornrose.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a “grave” encounter in Staunton’s beautiful Thornrose Cemetery! Held several times in previous years, this very popular program fills up quickly. Tickets must be purchased prior to September 28. Tours are limited to 25 per group. See below for ticket/tour information.
Want to go?
- Cost: $20 (includes refreshments)
- Tour times: Saturday, September 28: 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. Sunday, September 29: 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
- For information and tickets, call the ACHS office at 540-248-4151. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time. Indicate desired tour time. Tickets will be mailed to you and are only good for the date and time specified.
- Thornrose Cemetery has steep, hilly terrain. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- You may park inside the cemetery, along the drives, but do not block the roads.
- Tour groups meet at the gatehouse facing West Beverley and Henry Funeral Home.
- Tours take place rain or shine. No refunds for wet weather.
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