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LA GRANGE – Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites, in collaboration with the Fayette County Community Theatre (FCCT), will present Memories of Monument Hill: A Lantern-Led Theatrical Experience on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25.. These lantern-led evening tours allow visitors to explore the historic sites at night, witness fascinating historical tales from Texas history, and enjoy theatrical entertainment – all in one tour.
For each of the two nights, visitors can choose from among six guided tours that will lead them through the historic grounds by lantern light. At memorable spots along the trail, local actors bring the past to life in theatrical vignettes that tell the stories of the men buried in the tomb on Monument Hill, as well as the many others impacted by the turbulent events of the Republic of Texas era.
The success of the Memories program in 2024 inspired Monument Hill and FCCT staff to make the experience even more memorable this year. Several features have been added to ensure the experience is fresh and exciting, even for returning attendees. Monument Hill volunteer and playwright, Jason Rainey, contributed additional scenes with new characters, expanding upon the history of the Dawson and Mier expeditions. For additional entertainment, attendees can also enjoy an expanded waiting area with refreshments and a storyteller sharing spooky stories based on local legends before or after their guided tour.
This year, tours will begin at 5:30 p.m. on both nights, with the first tour designated as an Accessibility Tour. This tour takes place during full daylight and follows a modified walking route for those who require wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.
“Working with the sites’ staff and the actors to present tales of people gone before us, especially people from right here in Fayette County, is really special,” says Melanie Lira, Director of the Memories of Monument Hill scenes. “This collaboration allows the audience to watch local actors portray familiar names we know from our history books, like Captain William Eastland or Nathaniel Faison, and even share more stories of Fayette County history that may not be as well known.”
Memories of Monument Hill tours will be held on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25 with guided tours available at 5:30, 6:40, 7, 7:20, 7:40, and 8 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.MemoriesofMonumentHill. eventbrite.com. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill Visitors Center located at 414 State Loop 92 in La Grange. The Visitor’s Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
