New video series features Cookeville Cemetery Walk script readings
COOKEVILLE – Some of Cookeville’s dearly departed are sharing their stories in a new video series of script readings from past Cookeville Cemetery Walks.
The series is part of a continuing effort by the Cookeville History Museum to provide “quarantine content” while it is temporarily closed.
“As we brainstormed ways to provide online content for history lovers who are doing their part by staying home, we thought of what a treasure trove we have in previous Cemetery Walk scripts,” Beth Thompson, Cookeville museums manager, said.
Cookeville Cemetery Walk is a Cookeville Leisure Services historical arts event that takes place on even-numbered years at Cookeville City Cemetery, in which “residents” rise from the grave to tell their stories. This year’s event is scheduled for Sept. 19.
Voice actors participating in the video script reading series include Peggy Fragopoulos, Matt Beal, Joyce Tatum, Kim Frick-Welker, Matthew Wilson, Patrick Mannle, Steve Gwilt, Elissa Longfellow Marks, Matthew Krist, Prudence VanAalten, Philip Gibbons, Michael Birdwell, Cindy Putman, Michael Birdwell and Dave Johnson.
“We’re so lucky to have lots of wonderful friends who are working from home and willing to offer their vocal talent,” Thompson said.
Videos produced so far include “The War of the Roses: 1920” and the stories of Myrtle Hurst Barnes (1877-1952), WWI Sgt. First Class Aubrey C. Wright (1895-1919), Mary Elizabeth “Mollie” Shores Shanks (1845-1936) and Elijah C. Crowell (1809-1863).
More are being added regularly and may be viewed on the Cookeville History Museum’s YouTube, Facebook and Twitter pages.
Thompson said the video series is important, especially during this time of social distancing.
“Any bit of distraction is worthwhile right now — and why not learn something about local history while you’re at it?” she said.
She hopes viewers will be entertained as they gain insight into the lives and times of those featured in the videos.
Other online quarantine content being produced by the Cookeville History Museum and Cookeville Depot Museum include Artifact of the Week, virtual exhibits such as “I Spy Cookeville,” Train Tales stories and crafts, and Hometown Cookeville Trivia. For more information, call 520-5455 or 528-8570.
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Ed Hollingsworth and Peggy Fragopoulos dress the part for the 2018 Cookeville Cemetery Walk. A new Cookeville History Museum video series features script readings from past cemetery walks.