Few American cities embody scandal quite like Washington, D.C. As the heart of political power and prestige throughout U.S. history, Washington has been the stage for some of the nation's most infamous scandals. Where power thrives, controversy follows, and the truth remains elusive. Slander, libel, and gossip have all shaped and skewed the historical record, making it challenging to separate fact from fiction. Many of the people at the center of these scandals—or who became infamous themselves—lived, worked, and died in the nation’s capital. But who were these individuals? What are their stories?
This fall, we invite you to uncover tales of scandal from the residents of Congressional Cemetery—a macabre glimpse into D.C.’s notorious past. Discover how their legacies endure in our collective memory. Encounter those shrouded in the past, brought vividly to life by our talented actors, and witness them as they tell their stories. Join us for Soul Strolls 2024: Scandal and Slander.
Our annual twilight tours explore the stories of individuals buried here through a guided lantern lit tour of the grounds with costumed interpreters. Experience the history of this hallowed ground exactly the way it should be experienced in October – in twilight and darkness, immersed in vignettes of the lives of our interred residents.
Details:
Soul Strolls take place over four nights, October 18-19 and October 25-26. Hour-long tours depart every 15 minutes between 6:00 and 9:30 pm on Fridays (Oct 18, Oct 25) and between 5:00 PM- 9:30 PM on Saturdays (Oct 19, Oct 26). Gates open a half hour prior to the first tour start time. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes prior to your tour start time. Tours depart from the chapel, also known as the “Tavern of Lost Souls” during the event. Come and enjoy live music, thematic cocktails, and the ambiance of an evening in the cemetery. Costumes are encouraged and welcomed from attendees!
VIP Tours:
We offer exclusive VIP tours as a part of Soul Strolls! On Fridays, the 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM are exclusively VIP. On Saturdays, the 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM tours are VIP. A VIP Tour Ticket includes:
- A smaller, more private tour group.
- A free drink ticket
- A Soul Strolls swag bag
- A free polaroid photo experience at the Public Vault
- An exclusive champagne toast with none other than the Madam on the Mall herself, Mary Ann Hall.
- Everything included in a standard ticket
Family Friendly Tour Times and Child Tickets:
Want to bring children to Soul Strolls but are looking for a more family friendly tour? We have you covered. The 5:00 PM tour times on Saturday (Oct 19 and Oct 26) will be curated to be more family friendly. Mature themes and topics will be dialed back with younger audiences in mind. Consider these tour times rated “PG.”
Child tickets are available for all non-VIP tour times. Tickets for ages 5 to 12 are $15.00. Ages 0-4 attend for free!
ASL Inclusive Tour Times:
Want to participate in Soul Strolls but need ASL interpretation? We have you covered too! The 5:15 PM tour times on Saturday (Oct 19 and Oct 26) will include a complimentary ASL interpreter. They will accompany the tour to make sure everything being said by our actors is translated into ASL!
Photo Experience:
We are offering a polaroid photo experience at the Public Vault featuring items related to the history of spiritualism. VIPs will recieve a complimentary photo and any attendees may purchase a photo experience for an additional $10. More information about this will be communicated to all attendees via email prior to the event
Other:
Please Note: The Cemetery is unable to offer refunds or tour time changes, so please keep this in mind when purchasing tickets. Tickets are non-transferable.
This event is rain or shine. Any rain cancelation will be due to dangerous or severe weather or an emergency. There are no rain dates for the event.
Comfortable shoes are encouraged, as are flashlights. Tours will not stay on the paths, so please be ready for uneven terrain.
MATURE CONTENT WARNING: Soul Strolls 2024 includes dramatic recountings that touch on mature themes, including sex work, alcoholism, and murder.
Information about Congressional Cemetery: www.congressionalcemetery.org.
Questions about Soul Strolls? Email [email protected].
