SOUTHWICK – Costumed speakers will once again share stories of town residents who long ago called Southwick home during the ninth annual “A Walk with Southwick Spirits” on Oct. 23, hosted by the Southwick Historical Society.

“Each of the costumed speakers will stand near a person’s gravestone and tell a story about that person’s life,” said Patricia Odiorne, treasurer of the Southwick Historical Society.

Odiorne, who coordinates logistics for the event, has recruited volunteers as speakers including Samuel Goodwin III, Lee David Hamberg, Elaine Kuzmeskus, Douglas Moglin, Denise Muldrew, Eric Muldrew and Debra Patryn.

“Characters this year include an author, a farmer with many children, a victim of a powder mill explosion, an entrepreneur, a man of many talents, and a town benefactor, plus a few surprises,” she said.

Odiorne said reservations are necessary and tours at the Old Southwick Cemetery will be conducted in 30-minute time slots from 1 to 3:30 p.m. in groups of 10 people or less. Reservations can be made by calling Carole at 569-6397.

A donation of $5 for adults is requested. Children under 12 will be admitted free.

“All the characters were residents of Southwick at least at some time in their lives, so hearing the local stories is both educational and fun,” said Odiorne, who chooses the stories, gathers the speakers, and requests guides for the groups.

“Each year has some different characters, so it is a challenge to find and share new stories,” she said, adding, “several of those have been shared in issues in our local magazine, Southwoods – A Journal for Country Living, over the years.”

While the tours are in the Old Southwick Cemetery, access will be via the gate at the New Southwick Cemetery, on College Highway just north of Industrial Road. Parking will be in the field.

“Comfortable shoes are recommended because of the uneven ground,” said Odiorne, since the Old Southwick Cemetery dates back to 1770. “Each person who attends receives a map of the locations of the gravestones visited on the front, and some information about the history of the Old Southwick Cemetery on the back.”

Another highlight of the afternoon will be a table organized by members of the Southwick Historical Society featuring historical items for sale.

“The afternoon combines fundraising with education,” said Odiorne, adding that “many people” come year after year to hear the stories of townspeople from the past.

“I feel it is very important to share the history of our town in this way, and also by having docents share stories when our Southwick History Museum is open to the public,” said Odiorne.

Odiorne noted volunteers also relish conducting research on Southwick families for local people and some from afar.

For more information on society events throughout the year, visit southwickhistoricalsociety.org or visit the Southwick Historical Society Facebook page.

“We are charter members of the Pioneer Valley History Network,” she added.

This fall, the 10-year anniversary celebration of the opening of the Southwick History Museum at 86-88 College Hwy. is slated on Oct. 10.

“Join us for cake and help us decorate the Canal Boat Float for the Southwick 250th Celebration Parade on Oct. 16,” said Odiorne.

Society members are also asking area residents to help continue to tell Southwick’s story by sharing their stories and photos of growing up and living in town. For more details, visit the society’s website.