EAST HARWICH GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Lantern Tours: Ghostly Voices of Mariners and Revolutionaries at East Harwich Union Cemetery
A 30-minute evening guided walk hosted by the Harwich Historical Society at East Harwich Union Cemetery where ghostly hosts recount the lives of mariners, Revolutionary War soldiers, and townsfolk — this guide tells you what to expect and where to meet.
Lantern Tours: Ghostly Voices of Mariners and Revolutionaries at East Harwich Union Cemetery.
At dusk the headstones of East Harwich Union Cemetery become stages for short, vivid life stories: mariners, Revolutionary War soldiers and long-time townsfolk step forward as ‘ghostly hosts’ and relay the past in an engaging, theatrical way. The Lantern Tours condense history and local lore into a brisk, 30-minute evening walk that brings small-town Cape Cod memory to life.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lives Recast in Lantern Light
The tour presents a succession of ghostly narrators — mariners, Revolutionary War soldiers and townsfolk — each telling a compact, personal tale that illuminates local history and character.
East Harwich Union Cemetery at Dusk
This is an evening cemetery walk through East Harwich Union Cemetery, the site where the lantern-lit encounters take place and where the town’s past is read against headstones and dusk.
Short, Sharply Told Stories
The experience is compact — a focused 30-minute program on select dates that prioritizes storytelling and atmosphere over length, making it easy to add to an evening itinerary.
What the day feels like
How the Night Unfolds
You gather at East Harwich Union Cemetery and follow a guided route where individual ‘ghosts’ step forward to recount their lives — seafaring incidents, Revolutionary War memories and local anecdotes — all presented in a lively, engaging manner over the course of roughly thirty minutes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who might think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Tours are held in the evening on select dates; the program runs for about 30 minutes.
No specific gear requirements are listed in the trip details; consult the Harwich Historical Society for any site- or weather-specific recommendations.
Meeting point is East Harwich Union Cemetery; verify exact meeting location and schedule with the Harwich Historical Society ahead of time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Lantern Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting location is East Harwich Union Cemetery.
Who operates the Lantern Tours?
The tours are operated by the Harwich Historical Society.
What will I see and hear on the tour?
You’ll meet ‘ghostly hosts’ — mariners, Revolutionary War soldiers and townsfolk — who recount their personal stories and local history.
When are the tours offered?
Tours run on select dates; check the Harwich Historical Society’s schedule for specific offerings.