Consolations of Memory
October 12 @ 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Consolations of Memory at Bellefontaine Cemetery, Saturday, October 12, 2024
The Saint Louis Mourning Society presents “Consolations of Memory” with the support of Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. This event isn’t like other fall cemetery tours. Rather than portraying the spirits of those buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery, we portray the living, breathing people of the era who were left behind to mourn the loss of a loved one.
Consolation of Memory is a guided cemetery walk around Historic Hotchkiss Chapel. Each year focuses on a different topic related to life, death, and mourning in the mid-19th century. During the tour, guests will learn about tragic events in St. Louis’ history, Funeral and burial practices, and how the dead were remembered by those left behind to mourn. The tour is followed immediately by a funeral reenactment, procession, and burial service.
2024’s tour will focus on the history and development of 19th-century rural cemeteries directly after a reenactment of the 1864 funeral of Deborah W. Page, wife of the mayor of St. Louis – Daniel Page.
Arrive at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum at our gate located at 4947 W. Florissant. Once inside the gates follow directional signage to the event parking. Registration will direct you to transportation to the Mourning Society event location.
This is a free event. Tours take place at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Space is limited, so be sure to register for one of these tours here today!
Register Now!
There are different tour times from which you can choose. Registration is required, so please sign up for your preferred tour time by clicking on one of the links below.
- Tour 1: 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., get tickets here
- Tour 1: 9:45 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., get tickets here
- Tour 2: 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., get tickets here
- Tour 2: 11:45 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., get tickets here
- Tour 3: 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., get tickets here
- Tour 3: 1:45 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., get tickets here
Make a Gift
Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted.About the Mourning Society
The Mourning Society of St Louis is a civilian reenacting group with an interest in mourning, death culture, spiritualism, and the funeral customs of the mid-nineteenth century through the early twentieth century. Visit mourningsociety.com to find out more!
Photos taken by Curt Dennison