Stories in Stone: A Twilight Walking Tour of St. Michael’s Cemetery

This special evening tour explores the shadowed corners of St. Michael’s Cemetery’s past: stories etched in stone that reveal the grit, ambition, and complexity of Pensacola history. From poisonous tales to the evolution of undertaking to the symbolism of gothic revival monuments, the tour sheds light on the cemetery’s role as both a keeper of memory and an outdoor museum. Along the way, we highlight the individuals and professions that have shaped our community across the centuries.

This event is a part of the UWF College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities’ Gulf Coast Culture “Pensacola Noir” series, hosted by the University of West Florida (UWF) Archaeology Institute, the Florida Public Archaeology Network, and the St. Michael's Cemetery Foundation, Inc.

The tour will take place outside and last approximately one hour, with small group start times at 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm, and 6:00pm. Attendees are requested to wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate attire for the weather conditions. Since the tour will be held at dusk, attendees are also welcome to bring small flashlights, if desired, to help with walking. St. Michael's Cemetery does not have smooth walking paths for those with accessibility needs.

St. Michael's Cemetery is open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cemetery is also a Florida State Park and a part of the Pensacola Historic District.

***Attendees should plan to meet with tour guides at the northern entrance to St. Michael's Cemetery on 10 minutes before their tour start time. Free parking is also available along Florida Blanca Street and E. Salamanca Street. To support ongoing preservation efforts by the St. Michael's Cemetery Foundation, Inc., a suggested donation of $5 per attendee is encouraged.***

This tour is most suitable for individuals aged 12 and above; a parent or guardian must accompany attendees under 16 years old. Space is limited to 15 people per tour start time.

Host or Publisher Florida Public Archaeology Network