Come and meet Auburn’s founders and some prestigious inhabitants of Pine Hill Cemetery as they come to life before your eyes! Dedicated to preserving and honoring Auburn’s history, the Auburn Heritage Assocation is thrilled to host the 15th annual lantern tour October 6 and 7.

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The tour will recognize some esteemed founders- and interesting characters- of Auburn’s history and educate the community on the fascinating men and women who shaped the city.

With hour-long tours running from 7 to 9 p.m., guests can pay $10 per ticket to walk the illuminated paths and personally meet 16 of Auburn’s most celebrated people.

Says Auburn Heritage Association President Mary Norman, “We have a guide that takes probably 10 to 15 people, and they go from stop to stop to stop. [The characters] do about a 5-minute little spiel about who those people were, what they were all about, and what they did here at Auburn…they all have wonderful little stories.”

Ranging from Dr. Charles Cary to B.B. and Letitia Ross, the historic characters will help guests of all ages understand how old-time Auburn was developed into the city we know today.

“Now, Virginia…she has a story to tell,” exclaims Kit Conner, vice president of the Auburn Heritage Assocation.

Virginia Howe, one of the characters featured in the tour, was only 16 when she was buried in her front yard on Magnolia Avenue. Her body was later moved to Pine Hill Cemetery per her sister’s request after falling in love with Virginia’s widower.

Another resident of the cemetery, Rev. Billy Mitchell of the 18th century, is rumored to have been buried above ground in his double bed. His boots are thought to be waiting for him bedside.

Boasting five Auburn University presidents, Pine Hill is Auburn’s first cemetery and dates back to 1836 when Judge John Harper gave the six-acre piece of land to the city.

Auburn residents and guests of all ages- even little ones- are encouraged to attend and learn about the town’s rich history.

Says Norman, “We have everything from very young to very old…a lot of the very old come through because they want to just hear about people that they knew about, but we stress and we want grade children to come through, too, to learn a little bit about Auburn history and what it really is all about.”

Parking will be available at Auburn Junior High School, and transportation to the cemetery will be provided via trolley. Golf carts will be provided at the convenience of those who have disabilities. Tickets are $10 and will be available when the gates open at 7 p.m.