By Dennis Volkert
In advance of the cemetery tour, Rosalie Currier, director at Sturgis Historical Museum, answered a few questions from Sturgis Sentinel. Some responses are edited for brevity or clarity.
Sturgis Sentinel: The theme intertwines with the subject of the latest Mort documentary. How did the decision to do that come about?
Rosalie Currier: We decided to intertwine the two projects because one event cannot exhaust the topic of those who played essential roles in supporting Sturgis youth through the decades. To expand it even further, we have a new display highlighting education in the museum.
SS: What was the process to select the historic educators featured on the tour?
RC: There are so many important figures in the history of Sturgis, so it was very difficult to select just 10. We started with those who are buried at Oak Lawn, because that’s the point of a cemetery tour — to remember the ones resting there. But several stood out who are not buried at Oak Lawn. All three were cremated, and two have no stone. Not all those in the tour are teachers in the school, but were impactful on youth outside of the school buildings.
SS: Was it also intended to overlap with the documentary?
RC: Our goal is not to “overlap” the documentary with either the cemetery tour or display, but to complement Mike’s work.
SS: How did you determine which Civic Players actor would do each portrayal?
RC: About seven of the actors are (in) Sturgis Civic Players. The president contacts them. Others enjoy a little acting on the side or fit a role.
SS: Has attendance grown since the first cemetery tour?
RC: I don’t know how many attended the first two years. In 2023, more than 100 attended. I’ve heard both actors and participants say it’s a good experience. It is a long walk, so not everyone who is interested can attend. This year, we will show a video of the event at 3 p.m. Oct. 20 at the museum.
