Historical figures came to life in Friendship Cemetery on Wednesday night, as Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science students kicked off the 34th Tales from the Crypt performances.
MSMS history teacher Chuck Yarborough, who has directed the program since 2003, said the annual event allows students, dressed up in period attire and performing self-written monologues, to share what they’ve researched about notable figures from the city’s past who are buried at the historic cemetery.
“It’s cliche to say that we’re trying to make history come alive, but … through primary document research, history really does come alive for the students in their imagination,” he told The Dispatch. “Then they are able to apply their imagination and creativity to bring it to life for others.”
Throughout the semester, students in Yarborough’s 11th grade U.S. history classes used primary sources to research the lives of residents buried at Friendship Cemetery. Eleven students were chosen to develop their research subjects into characters portrayed through a dramatic monologue for Tales from the Crypt.
Each year, students portray different characters. This year, students will portray characters ranging from the 1850s to 1920s, including Mississippi State College for Women figures from the 1920s, Chinese immigrants who moved to Columbus after World War I, a free woman of color from the 1850s and a Greek immigrant who owned a confectionery, among others.
Students chose who they would research and portray for the program from a list of names and documents Yarborough provides.
His students run with the challenge, Yarborough said, using the research not only to develop their characters but to also connect the past with the present.
“The theme I see is that students want to make history that they’re uncovering in document research relevant to the present,” Yarborough said. “They tell stories about the past, but then they also always want to make a connection with the present, which I find refreshing and inspiring.”
A lasting legacy
Emily Liner, MSMS graduate and owner of Friendly City Books, remembers performing in Tales from the Crypt when she was a junior at MSMS in 2003. She portrayed a woman living in the 1860s who left flowers on the graves of Union soldiers and recited the poem “The Blue and the Gray” by Francis Miles Finch.
Looking back, Liner said participating in the program felt much bigger than simply finishing a school project.
“We knew that we were a part of a legacy that was bigger than ourselves,” she told The Dispatch. “Not only had the program been going for years before we started, (but) it would continue for years after that. We knew because it was such a treasured Columbus tradition that we had to do our best.”
Tales from the Crypt started in 1990 in an effort to incorporate a performance into the Columbus’ annual spring Pilgrimage events. Since then, the event has become a staple in Columbus, telling the stories of historical figures that would otherwise go unheard.
Watching the students bring these characters to life, Liner said, gives the community a fuller picture of Columbus’ local history.
“I’ve loved seeing some of the different individuals the students have portrayed in the last couple of years since I’ve moved back to Columbus,” she said. “There’s been some really special and unique stories that have been uncovered by the students in the program, and their performances really bring them to life.”
In addition to gaining a more complete history of the community, Yarborough believes visitors to Tales from the Crypt also benefit from seeing high school students dedicate their time to learning about local history and share it with others.
“They have something to say, and they’re willing to contribute,” he said. “We learn that young people not only want to do that, but can do that effectively.”
Next performances
There will be three more Tales from the Crypt performances, coinciding with the annual Columbus Spring Pilgrimage. The next performance will be Friday. The final two will be April 10 and 12, with tours starting at 7 p.m. each night. Attendees should be in line at 9 p.m. in order to make the last performance of each evening.
Tickets for the event can be purchased online at preservecolumbus.com or at the event. Proceeds from admissions will benefit charities chosen by the students. Over the last 10 annual performances, the program has raised more than $50,000 for charity.
HOW TO GO:
■ WHAT: Tales from the Crypt
■ WHEN: Friday, April 10 and April 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
■ WHERE: Friendship Cemetery, 4th Street South, Columbus
■ HOW: Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and can be purchased on-site or online.
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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