The second Cemetery Stroll at the Historic Key West Cemetery this season will take place on Sunday, Feb. 23. During the stroll, small groups of visitors will be escorted to gravesites where interpreters will tell the stories of the deceased in brief monologues. The groups are scheduled for departures at 9:30, 9:50, and 10:10 a.m. Reservations are necessary, and can be made by calling or texting 305-304-1453 or by emailing at hfkf@bellsouth.net.
Among the gravesites to be visited are those of influential residents, many of them African-American, including Frank Adams, Ellen Sanchez, Nelson English, Coffee Butler, Roosevelt Sands, Willie Ward and Willian McKinzie.
The tour will take about 90 minutes. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and plan to walk over a mile on uneven ground. Bottled water will be provided.
This is an opportunity to learn first-hand about some of the people who have given Key West its significant character. Space is limited. A donation of $20 (cash or check) per person to the Historic Florida Keys Foundation is recommended, with all proceeds devoted to cemetery restoration.
Participants may enter the cemetery by either the main gate at 701 Passover Lane or the Frances Street gate and go to the registration table on Palm Avenue.
An additional stroll featuring other gravesites will take place on March 23.
The cemetery strolls are sponsored by the City of Key West and the Historic Florida Keys Foundation. More information is available from Diane Silvia at 305-304-1453.
