The 2023 program returns on Saturday/April 1st 2023 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 19th-century colonial period to the late 20th-century. The event was launched by the Mecklenburg Historical Association in 2017. It is now coordinated by the Historic Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery Inc. (HEPI) as a fundraiser to promote preservation efforts for those historic cemeteries and Settlers Cemetery, Charlotte’s first municipal cemetery.
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 event featuring historical interpreters stationed throughout Elmwood/Pinewood cemeteries interpreting historical figures from Charlotte who lived in the 19th and 20th centuries. The event incorporates an inclusive and integrated focus that includes African-Americans and women who played prominent roles in Charlotte’s 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 19th 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.
These are just a few highlights of the event. Go to https://voicesfromthepastcharlotte.com for additional information or contact Lynn Mintzer, Event Manager, at lynnmhad@gmail.com for additional information about this year’s event and how to volunteer.