In 1998, students at St Helen’s State School embarked on a project to discover more information about the early history of the school focussing on the military service of the first headmaster, and students who had fought in the various wars.
As part of this learning experience, the students visited the Cemetery and the graves of the men they were researching. They were assisted in their research and Cemetery visits by Margaret Wroe and Kaye O’Brien. Afternoon tours for members of the public followed. Volunteers from the Maryborough and District Family History Society then began the night tours.
The tours include an overview of the history of our Cemeteries and Mortuary Chapel, and stories on the many personalities that now lay at rest. The stories change each month and include fabulous insights into the history of our region, including the tragic tales of murders, drownings and poisonings, war heroes, city benefactors, the first burial and our links to Florence Nightingale, Buffalo Bill, Ned Kelly etc.
We also host tours during Maryborough Open House weekend and are happy to organise tours at other times for visiting groups. Some tours are specific to commemorative events such as Anzac Day for our April tours.
The tours attract local, interstate and international visitors and indeed many of these visitors repeatedly attend each time they are visiting our region. The tours are held on the third Friday of each month, with our next tour on the 15th December. Cost is $10 per adult and $5 for primary school children (includes insurance and supper). We gather at the main gate of the old Cemetery on Walker St at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start. Bookings can be made through the Maryborough and District Family History Society by telephoning 4123 1842. (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), at the Visitor Information Centre in City Hall on Kent Street, or just turn up on the night and join us. Please bring a torch and wear closed-in shoes. Our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/maryboroughfamilyhistory/ will provide updates regarding possible cancellations due to weather conditions.
