“Echoes of Yesteryear: A Walk through Oak Ridge Cemetery” is an annual event put on by the Sangamon County Historical Society as a gift to the City of Springfield.  The Cemetery Walk provides visitors a glimpse into the history and heritage of Springfield and Sangamon County.

Actors dressed in period costumes will portray individuals who made significant contributions to our community’s early history.  The personal stories of each are interpreted at his or her respective gravesite in the cemetery.  The authentic stories, which have been thoroughly researched, will take the audience back to an earlier time and provide insight into their lives.

Attendees are transported by bus to the first gravesite, ten walk to the other gravesites before boarding the buss back to the parking area.  In addition to the walk, refreshments are available for purchase by the Sangamon County Historical Society.

The popular Cemetery Walk, which is sponsored by the Sangamon County Historical Society and co-sponsored by Oak Ridge Cemetery, was held annually for twelve years beginning in 1996 and ending in 2008.  It was brought back in 2016 by popular demand.

It is free and open to the public, although donations are suggested.

Parking is available in designated areas of the cemetery.