Read about the Jacksonville pioneers and early settlers whose stories were told during annual productions of Meet the Pioneers (MTP) in the Jacksonville Historic Cemetery from 2006 through 2022.

Meet the Piioneers stories were researched and scripted by cemetery docents (the Research Committee) and presented graveside by costumed interpreters (the Players) on two fall evenings each year for visitors on one-hour guided tours through the cemetery.

Meet the Pioneers was produced by Dirk Siedlecki, the founder and long-time President of the Friends of Jacksonville's Historic Cemetery. After his passing in 2023 it was discovered that, in addition to producing the MTP tours each year, Dirk had also written this collection of stories documenting each Meet the Pioneers performance, complete with cast photos and indices cross-referencing the stories, the historic characters, and their interpreters over the years.

Starting in 2011, videos of Meet the Pioneers performances were recorded and posted on YouTube. Links to Meet the Pioneers videos on YouTube are included below.

Introduction and Dedication

(please click here)

THE FRIENDS OF JACKSONVILLE'S

HISTORIC CEMETERY

Friends of Jacksonville's Historic Cemetery