FORTY FORT, Pa. — The big white building at the gates of Forty Fort Cemetery on River Street, built in 1806, is known as the meeting house.
"It's the third oldest standing building in Luzerne County and it was the original church, the oldest church in Luzerne County," explained Dick Hughes with the Forty Fort Cemetery Association.
Headstones dating back to the early 1800s surround the meeting house. Many prominent figures in history, like Pennsylvania's 18th governor, Henry Hoyt Sr, were laid to rest in this cemetery.
So, the Forty Fort Cemetery Association wants to share more of its history.
On Saturday, members will host the inaugural walk or run through history.
"The cemetery always has people walking and running through coming off of the levy, so we thought let's do a 5k, 10k, and 1.5 mile walk," said race coordinator Bob Bilbow.
Members of the Forty Fort Cemetery Association tell Newswatch 16 that money raised from the event will go directly to helping preserve the cemetery's history.
"It is the historic gem of the Wyoming Valley, and the thing about old cemeteries and not just this one is we don't have any way to make money. We do not have plots to sell. We are totally full. We also take care of the area that was taken out by the flood," said Hughes.
"I hope they enjoy how beautiful the cemetery is and how well it's kept up, it's a nice. If you look at any of the headstone there is so much history," said Bilbow.
If running isn't your thing, local historians will be on hand to give tours of the cemetery grounds and the meeting house.
Followed by an after-party at the Old Fort Brewing Company.
"We have the Saucy Box food truck with us all day. We have music with Luke Stone in the afternoon and Diana Brown in the evening. Plus, we have family games, and we'll be pouring beers on the patio and inside," said Jennifer Parulis with Old Fort Brewing Company.
The race steps off at 9 a.m. on Saturday and there is still time to sign up.
You can register for the race HERE or on Saturday starting at 7:30am.