A Ziegfeld Follies girl, a descendant of a U.S. founding father and U.S. Congressman Henry Marie Brackenridge will come to life during the annual Ghost Tour at Prospect Cemetery.

They are among 13 “spirits” who will tell their stories during the event, which runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday.

“It’s a great way to learn the history of our area,” said historian and event organizer Cindy Homburg.

Small-group tours will embark every 10 minutes from the cemetery office at 802 10th Ave. in Brackenridge. Participants will encounter characters and hear the stories of people who helped shape the Alle-Kiski Valley.

The cost is $10, and proceeds benefit the cemetery, which is the final resting place of 13,000 people including Civil War soldiers, teachers, judges, socialites, legislators and other influential figures.

“People love it, and they are always excited to come back because we offer new ghosts every year,” Homburg said.

Tarentum resident Debbie Marion has acted in every tour since the first one in 2010.

She said she enjoys the conversations and the celebrations of local figures.

“I just love remembering those who have gone before us and telling their stories,” she said.

“Seeing so many people come out to support the community is great.”

Last year, Marion portrayed Nellie Baker, who was born in 1879 and married to well-known local photographer, Winfield Baker.

“They lived on First Avenue and were one of the families who first docked a boat on the Allegheny River,” Marion said. “Her husband was the photographer for most of the high schools in the area.”

Homburg wouldn’t reveal this year’s entire lineup but gave a glimpse of two new tales to be featured.

Someone will tell the story of Tarentum native Evelyn Kummer, who was born in 1877 and went on to perform in the famous Ziegfeld Follies theater revue.

Kummer left the borough after graduation and landed in New York, where she worked the old-time vaudeville circuits and auditioned for a part as a dancer and singer in the elaborate Broadway production.

“The Ziegfeld girls were known as the most beautiful women in the world,” Homburg said.

Other stops along the way will include the story of Martha Mason, who was born in 1839 in West Tarentum.

Her claim to fame was that her great-grandfather signed the Declaration of Independence.

The characters along the tour change each year with one exception.

As always, the first stop — the only repeat from year to year — will be Henry Marie Brackenridge, U.S. Congressman and founder of Tarentum.

More than 300 people turned out for last year’s tour, a record crowd, Homburg said.

Parking will be at Trinity United Methodist Church across the street. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. To purchase tickets, call 724-224-4552 or 724-612-0076.

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