Dead come to life at local cemetery

Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery hosted “Stories at the Cemetery,” on Aug. 11. The event revived stories of deceased residents, giving attendees a glimpse into the city’s past. 

Roughly 100 people attended the event. Actors in historical costumes told the stories of the people who were laid to rest.

A soft rain fell on the graves before the event, casting mist into the air. The cemetery was still as attendees waited quietly for the performances to begin. 

Many brought chairs and sat; others stood as they listened intently.

The actors began their performances, telling stories of historic Anchorage figures such as Deputy U.S. Marshal Harry Staser, mariner Jack Bartels and others.

Event host Audrey Kelly provided information about “Stories at the Cemetery” during a telephone interview with The Northern Light.

According to Kelly, she and her husband, Bruce Kelly — who co-hosts “Stories at the Cemetery” — write the biographies of the buried individuals whose stories are told.

“There are wonderful stories in our cemetery,” said Kelly, referring to Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery.

Kelly said many notable people are buried at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery, but not all the stories they choose are well-known. 

She said they gather information about the deceased from various sources, including historical records and obituaries. They also speak to relatives of the buried individuals to learn about their lives.

According to Kelly, the two hosts began presenting biographies at selected gravesites in June 2005. In 2011, they began hosting additional events in July and August, featuring actors who portrayed narratives based on the biographies.

Kelly said she and Bruce Kelly volunteer their time for the event. 

Any donated funds are used to support the actors and help Anchorage Parks and Recreation with maintenance of Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery, Kelly said.

‍According to the Municipality of Anchorage, the cemetery will turn 109 years old on Aug. 31. President Woodrow Wilson established the historic grounds in 1915. 

In 1918, Wilson ordered the cemetery to be opened for free public burials and allowed up to half of it to be sold. Half the cemetery remains privately owned today. 

More than 11,000 people have been buried at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery. Volunteers at “Stories at the Cemetery” have brought many of their stories back to life.

Kelly said the event on Aug. 11 was the last of the season, but they will resume with 10 new stories in June 2025.