SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
There were plenty of treats on the Sioux City Public Museum's tour of a local cemetery today.
They took the spooky out of the situation, teaching locals about the people who made this town what it is today.
This tour of Calvary Cemetery was all about feeding the curiosity of history. Along the way, the group saw the grave sites of some of Sioux City's most influential people. Many of the guests say this tour did a great job of connecting people to the past.
Tom Munson has worked at the Sioux City Public Museum for 15 years. But every few months, he gets out of the office and into the field.
"I love the weather, so it's fun for me to get out, and it's fun for me to share my knowledge and what we have at the museum with other people," said Munson.
This tour through Calvary Cemetery had Munson showing a small group of history fans all about the city they're living in.
"I've always been interested in the history of Sioux City. I'm not originally from here, but it's very interesting," said Camille Lydon.
"There's a lot to learn from the gravestones themselves. By their shape, different forms that are on them, but also you get to learn a lot about the people in Sioux City, who helped shape this town's past," said Munson.
Those who took the tour got to see the gravesites of some of Sioux City's most historical figures, including three bishops in this area.
"This is a Catholic cemetery, so the Dioceses of Sioux City, the four bishops, the nuns and the priests of Sioux City," said Munson.
As guests weaved their way up and down the cemetery's many hills, Munson shared the short stories he'd researched about many of the 25 stones they saw.
"A lot of the businessmen that built the downtown area," said Karen Dorr of Le Mars, Iowa. .
In addition, there were musicians like Tommy Bolin and architect William Steele. A few weren't famous at all, but had interesting stories. One family had 12 children, but no grandchildren.
"They definitely were historical figures, but then he brought them into the present," said Camille Lydon
Some names are notorious, but others known for the legacy they left behind.
"From criminals all the way up to priests and nuns," said Munson.
For those who are still eager to learn more about the figures they've been introduced to in the cemetery today, they're encouraged to visit the Sioux City Public Museum.
