On a gorgeous fall Saturday in Santa Cruz, chapter members took a guided field trip through Old Holy Cross Cemetery. The tour was led by local historian and author Norman Poitevin (the gentleman in the top hat and frock coat!)

The historic cemetery, in which are interred many of Santa Cruz’s famous and infamous citizens dating back to the beginning of the community, had fallen into neglect, but has recently been cleaned up and improved by Norman and “Friends of Old Holy Cross Cemetery”.

The cemetery is now a lovely setting for the many historic graves of local settlers, and our guide knew who was in each grave and their history, and told many fascinating tales about the cemetery’s inhabitants, which includes a mass grave of Native Americans removed from the cemetery at Holy Cross Church many years ago.

The cemetery is open to the public, and local history buffs are certainly encouraged to visit.