If ever there was a lovelier way to celebrate April beauty’s than by sipping wine while stopping by tombs on a gorgeous day with the season’s fragrant blossoms wafting in the light breeze, led by a humorous guide with lots of tales to tell, prithee what may that be?
Whereas grave hopping is a “no no” at Arlington which shuns anyone on grass and where bodies and tombs are sometimes mixed up, at Congressional Cemetery visitors in the grass are “cause célèbre,” including dog walkers, mainstays of the cemetery. Pooch water bowls abound.
And with only one burial a month, every body is assured a riteful (sic) place at Congressional Cemetery, said Sid Neely, our tour guide.
What brought about 50 persons to gather at the cemetery Thursday evening was a “civil rights heroes (and heroines)” tour sponsored by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery and the Faith and Politics Institute with assistance from the Sewall-Belmont House, the National Park Service, D.C. government, and GLAAD.
At a reception in the chapel preceding the tours, Cindy Hays, the association's executive director, and Doug Tanner from Faith and Politics, made brief remarks. The chapel, restored to its former glory thanks to a benefactor, is the frequent site of weddings and other events, Ms. Hays said. It’s enough to make someone want to get married.
For the heroes and heroines staggered walking tours, the crowd was divided into small groups, led by knowledgeable guides. Along the way at some of the celebrated graves of the day, more volunteer docents greeted guests and provided additional background about the honored dead who were Adelaide Johnson, Ann Sprigg, Push-Ma-Ta-Ha, David A. Hall, William Shorey Coodey, Leonard Matlovich, William Boyd, Peter Perkins Pitchlynn, and Belva Lockwood. Mr. Neely told humorous anecdotes about many.
Question: Can you name the person from those listed above who created the statue of three women which is located in the U.S. Capitol? And who are the three women perpetuated in marble? Answers at bottom.
More than 55,000 persons are buried on the cemetery's approximately 35 acres which was founded in 1807, and while not a federal cemetery, many former members of Congress are buried within its confines. And it's now open for more business with 700 sites remaining to be occupied. Special membership or designations are not required to join the dead.
Congressional is the only cemetery in the region which offers “green burials,” meaning burial in a plain pine coffin within 24 hours after death.
What about that wooden picnic table sandwiched between some graves?
Oh that.
When they were working on the property, National Park Service employees used it to eat their lunches, and they left it.
Coming up at the cemetery on Good Friday at 9 p.m., April 22, a concert, "Lamentation" by Francois Couperin (1688-1733), vocal and instrumental music with Charles Humphries, counter tenor, Scott Dettra, organ, and John Moran, cello. Tickets, $12 and $10.
What: Congressional Cemetery
When: Hours are dawn to dusk. Free, docent-led tours are held every Saturday from April through October at 11 a.m. beginning at the chapel in the center of the cemetery, and Civil War tours are offered at 1 p.m. on the third Saturday from April through October,
Where: 1801 E. Street, SE, Washington, DC 2000
How much: No charge, but donations are welcome
Closest Metro station: Potomac and a flat 10-minute walk through a pleasant neighborhood from there
For more information: 202-543-0539
Answers: Adelaide Johnson was the sculptress who created the statue of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Susan B. Anthony. Your prize for answering correctly: cemetery admission (while you are living. Fees for the dead are higher.)
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