The 2022 program returns on Saturday/May 14th , 2022 from 1-4 p.m.

“Voices from the Past” is an historic outreach program of the MHA Docents featuring costumed living history interpreters who bring to life the rich, diverse, and unique personal biographies of local Charlotteans from the 18th-century colonial period to the late 20th-century.

The MHA’s “Voices From the Past” program has been re-scheduled to Saturday/May 14^th due to scheduling conflicts with the Charlotte Shout! 2022 festival held in Uptown Charlotte on Saturday/April 9^th.  The new date eases parking logistics in Uptown at Settlers Cemetery and increases visibility for the event.

Event organizer Lynn Mintzer emphasized the value and need for volunteers for this year’s event. “ ‘Voices From the Past’ cannot happen without volunteers.  We need their help to make sure the day’s event runs smoothly. We welcome portrayers and we are in special need of hosts at the MHA Welcome Tent. We need greeters to answer questions and give directions to Elmwood and Setters cemeteries.”

This year’s event marks the return of this free, signature MHA event featuring historical interpreters stationed throughout Settlers and Elmwood/Pinewood cemeteries. They will be  interpreting historical figures from Charlotte’s colonial era to the 20^th century incorporating an inclusive and integrated approach that includes prominent African-Americans and women in Charlotte’s long history.

African-American portrayals include Dr. H. L. McCrorey and Thaddeus “Thad” Tate. McCrorey, served as the second African-American president of Johnson C. Smith University 1907 to 1947. Tate was a prominent African-American community leader and successful businessman.

Portrayals also include Annie Alexander and Rachel Holton, two pioneering 19^th century women whose historical legacies were forged in Charlotte. Alexander was the first woman to practice medicine in the South. Holton, was the first female newspaper woman in North Carolina, serving as editor, publisher, and proprietor of the North Carolina Whig, a Charlotte-based newspaper.

Historic portrayals of Charlotte’s colonial period include Thomas J. Polk, shrewd politician and founder of Charlotte, and George Graham, Whig militiaman during the American Revolution.

These are just a few highlights of this year’s interesting historical figures who will be sharing their stories with the general public. “ ‘Voices From the Past’ is one of the best must-see and do historical events in the Charlotte area. Please come out and help us to keep the past ‘alive.’ ”

Go to https://voicesfromthepastcharlotte.com or contact Lynn Mintzer, Event Manager, at LynnMHAD@gmail.com for additional information about this year’s and to volunteer.