Categories: ArtCharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Columbus, Mississippi Highlights Local History with ‘Tales from the Crypt’

Students perform as historical figures in Friendship Cemetery at night

News Summary

Columbus, Mississippi is celebrating its local history through the annual event ‘Tales from the Crypt,’ organized by students from the Mississippi School of Mathematics and Science. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the event held in Friendship Cemetery, where students bring historical figures to life through performances. With a focus on community engagement, the project not only enriches academic skills but also supports local charities, raising over $56,000 in the past decade. Tickets are available for just $5, making it an accessible and captivating experience for history lovers.

Columbus, Mississippi: A Glimpse into Local History

Columbus, Mississippi is buzzing with excitement as **_students from the Mississippi School of Mathematics and Science (MSMS)_** take part in the beloved annual event, **_“Tales from the Crypt.”_** Now in its 35th year, this unique project intertwines local history with the thrill of performance art, and it’s all happening right at the historic **_Friendship Cemetery._** As part of the city’s annual **_Spring Pilgrimage_**, the project has drawn crowds eager to experience the past come to life.

A Candlelit Journey Through Time

Set against a backdrop of flickering lanterns, audiences can expect to stroll through Friendship Cemetery while students portray important historical figures from Columbus. The performances kicked off last week and are set to continue on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. This delightful combination of **_education_** and **_entertainment_** allows visitors of all ages to connect with the rich tapestry of their local history.

A Legacy of Learning and Performance

The brains behind “Tales from the Crypt” have been guiding this project for over 25 years, and its origin story is just as fascinating as the characters portrayed. Initially launched in 1991, after discussions by the **_Columbus Historic Foundation,_** the event aimed to provide night-time entertainment during the busy Pilgrimage season. Inspired by a founding faculty member, the idea blossomed into an engaging performance, turning research into a captivating storytelling session right within the cemetery grounds.

Originally, students focused exclusively on individuals buried at Friendship Cemetery. They dug through valuable documents available at the **_Columbus-Lowndes Public Library._** Over the years, the resources available to the budding historians have multiplied. Thanks to archives at the **_Mississippi University for Women_** becoming publicly accessible, along with extensive digitization efforts in various libraries, students now have a treasure trove of information at their fingertips.

Inside the Research Process

Every August, students eagerly choose their research subjects from a meticulously compiled list curated by MSMS faculty. The educational journey kicks off with a brief history lesson, setting the stage for the young performers to dive into their research papers during the fall semester. Moving into spring, those carefully crafted papers are transformed into live performance scripts, honed alongside development teams to ensure the ultimate delivery on performance nights.

This year, the stakes were higher than ever with **_44 students_** competing for a coveted spot as final performers, showcasing their talent and dedication to creative storytelling. Not only does this project enhance academic skills, but it also emphasizes community engagement, as students contribute service hours by supporting maintenance efforts in the cemetery.

Giving Back to the Community

Tales from the Crypt isn’t just for fun; it has a charitable angle that makes it even more special! Proceeds from ticket sales go to support various local organizations, with over **_$56,000_** raised for charitable causes between 2009 and 2019. Last year alone, the project attracted over **_1,056 visitors_** across three nights, reflecting its soaring popularity.

Tickets & Accessibility

For just **_$5_**, history lovers can grab a ticket to one of the enchanting performances (and preschoolers get in for free!). Tickets are conveniently available for purchase both in person and online, so there’s no excuse to miss this captivating evening.

As the sun sets on Friendship Cemetery, the stage is set for students to shine, embodying the essence of local heroes and enriching the community’s appreciation of its unique past. Columbus is truly alive with the spirit of history this Spring Pilgrimage, thanks to the amazing efforts of the MSMS students. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary experience!