City of Forsyth Cemetery Self-Guided Tour & Map

Earlier this year, Forsyth Mayor Eric Wilson, announced the award of a matching $2,000 Georgia Humanities grant. The grant included the creation of a City of Forsyth Cemetery Self-Guided Tour as well as a Living History Performance by the Backlot Players.  “This project is a great example of Forsyth as a city that works together for the benefit of the community and to enhance our quality of life. The cemetery tour and living history performances are a fun and engaging ways to share Forsyth’s story with visitors and residents alike.” stated Mayor Wilson. 

Ralph Bass, the project director and President of the Monroe County Historical Society, said “We are pleased to continue our partnership with the City of Forsyth Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Backlot Players. The living history performances were a unique opportunity to feature the stories of those who came before us, and to connect with the audience on a personal level.  Recollections of the past are instrumental in our vision of the future.” 

The City of Forsyth Cemetery Self- Guided Tour & Map project shares Georgia’s story through our local heritage, and the charming and sometimes colorful stories of our people. In May of this year, the Historic Rose Theater’s Backlot Players created a living history experience as part of the grant. It was very well received and has people are asking for more!  Dennis Smith of the Backlot Players and Historic Rose Theater added, “The Backlot Players are a talented group of dedicated civic minded people. The living history performances engaged their audience and got them exploring what Forsyth has to offer.”

The City of Forsyth Cemetery Self-Guided Tour & Map weaves you through Monroe County’s history with 32 stories of the dearly departed residing in the City Cemetery. Every story is unique and offers a peek into the lives of those who came before us and the history of our community.  The 32 include a US presidential hopeful, a “hostess with the mostess,” a veteran of three wars (and marriages), a poet laureate, a man and his horse, rattlesnake security, and many more!

“The CVB is focused on tourism and economic development. A project like this is not only about cultural and heritage tourism, but also the quality of life we offer in Forsyth. The Historical Society and the Backlot Players are groups that understand and contribute to this.” said CVB Authority chairwoman, Kerri Swearingen. “Forsyth is a great City with an interesting story that we want to share.”

Copies of the City of Forsyth Cemetery Self-Guided Tour & Map are free and available at the Monroe County Historical Society Museum at 126 East Johnston St., or from the Welcome Center at 68 North Lee St. in Forsyth. Digital copies will be available through the City of Forsyth Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website later this month.

This project is supported in part by Georgia Humanities, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, through funding from the Georgia General Assembly.”  For more information contact Ralph Bass, President of the Monroe County Historical Society and Museum, 478.994.5070 or Gilda Stanbery, Executive Director, City of Forsyth Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.forsythcvb.com  or by calling 478-974-1460.