The latest walking tour and exhibit at the National Register-listed Chippiannock Cemetery will be brought to life on August 28th with local actors portraying ten people who crossed the path of Rock Island’s notorious gangster. The story of John Looney was played out in grief and death where both the perpetrators and victims were laid to rest in Chippiannock Cemetery. Ten vignettes were written by local author and former Quad Cities Poet Laureate, Dick Stahl. The all new scripts were based on research and will be performed by costumed actors for ticketholders beginning at 1 p.m. with performances repeating throughout the afternoon until the last tour steps off at 3:30 p.m.  

The Epitaphs Brought to Life event has been on hiatus since 2005 when the cemetery celebrated its 150th anniversary by reprising the ten favorite characters selected by the public from over 100 individuals portrayed through the years.  Scott Nauman is taking the rein as Director of this year’s performances.  

Tickets will be $10 for adults, children 12 and under are free. The cemetery will be closed to all but ticketholders during the event. During the event the cemetery will feature other exhibits of interest to ticketholders. Refreshments will be available for purchase, including bags of “Epitaffy”.  

The Epitaphs Brought to Life event was initiated in 1994 by the Rock Island Preservation Commission and Chippiannock Cemetery Association to celebrate Chippiannock’s acceptance in the National Register of Historic Places.  “Epitaphs” serves to bring attention to the many uses of the cemetery as an historical, cultural, and educational resource.    

Revenue from this event will support the community outreach and cemetery restoration programs of the Chippiannock Cemetery Heritage Foundation.