On Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25 from 7 to 8 p.m., Historic St. Mary’s City will host an event designed to highlight an aspect of 17th-century colonial life often overlooked in living history: What happens after a person dies.

Visitors are invited to join “St. Mary’s City colonists” for a candlelight walking tour as they mark the passing of William Smith.  Attendees will discover how 17th-century Marylanders viewed death and the funeral practices that marked its occurrence.

Grave Matters at St. Mary’s City: Food, Drink, and a Death Watch will depart from Farthing’s Ordinary at 7 and 8 p.m. each night. During the one-hour program visitors will encounter relatives of the deceased and be offered refreshments like those served during a 17th century “watch” or wake.

They will join a funeral procession to Chapel Field, where mourners have come to pay their respects and preparations for a final resting place are underway. Jovial moments will punctuate this somber occasion as William Smith’s life and times are recalled. Life will go on. 

The program is intended for adult visitors and admission is $10. Reservations are required.  Please call (240) 895-4979 or e-mail abkuehn@smcm.edu for reservations or more information.