The Butler County Historical Society is giving people a chance to learn about some past prominent and not-so-prominent Butler County residents.

The Echoes From Our Past Historic Cemetery Walk will bring history to life through costumed actors portraying intriguing characters of the county's ancestors, said administrative director Pat Collins.

This is the first time the society will sponsor such an event. Collins said she learned about cemetery walks in other communities.

“We heard about the event, and it sounded like a great way to present history,” Collins said. “It brings history to life.”

The event is coordinated by the historical society, the Butler Little Theatre and the North Side Cemetery Association.

The tours will take place at the cemetery, 1002 N. Main St., on Saturday and Sunday. Participants should wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. The tour lasts about 2 hours.

“I think it's a good opportunity to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the North Side Cemetery,” Collins said.

The tours will be at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Presentations will be given by actors from the Butler Little Theatre. They will feature eight presentations on historical figures:

• Alfred G. Reed, who lived from 1839 to 1862 and was killed in the Civil War

• Mary McPherrin (1765-1823) and Amelia Lowrie (1788-1832), a mother and daughter. McPherrin was the wife of John McPherrin, who was one of the founders of the Presbyterian faith in Western Pennsylvania. Lowrie was the wife of Walter Lowrie, the only U.S. senator from Butler County

• Dr. and Mrs. C.A. Limberg, a husband and wife team who were the first superintendent and matron of St. Paul's Reformed Church Orphans' Home

• George A. Spang, who lived from 1868 to 1935 and who formed the Spang Co.

• Jacob C. Atwell, who lived from 1874 to 1936 and was a doctor who had interests in oil production

• Joseph Colestock, who lived from 1856 to 1929 and worked in oil fields and held interest in the Mars National Bank

• Emily Brittain, who lived from 1858 to 1945 and taught at Jefferson Street School and later was named principal of the school

• A presentation on the history of the cemetery.

Participants should arrive at the Butler Little Theatre, 1 Howard St., 30 minutes before the tour time. Shuttle buses will take participants to the cemetery. No other vehicles will be permitted at the cemetery.

Collins said that the event is getting a good response so far.

“Ticket sales are picking up,” Collins said.

Tickets sales end Wednesday. No tickets will be available the day of the event.

Collins said tickets are limited to keep this first event in check.

“It's kind of a learning experience for us,” Collins said. “We don't want to overdo it. You want to make sure everything goes well.”

Tickets can be bought online at www.butlerhistory.com or at the historical society office in the Sen. Walter Lowrie House, 123 W. Diamond St.

Tickets cost $15 for the public. They cost $12 for society members and Butler Little Theatre season ticket holders, both of whom should call 724-283-8116 for tickets.