As Canadians embrace staycations this summer, a new video series is inviting residents and visitors to discover Niagara’s history by following the stories of the people buried beneath some of the region’s most significant monuments and cemeteries.
“Tales from Cemetery Trails,” produced by Guaranteed Funeral Deposits, highlights the lives, legacies and final resting places of influential Canadians, including Laura Secord and Sir Isaac Brock.
Filmed at historic locations including Drummond Hill Cemetery and Brock’s Monument, the series explores how cemeteries and memorials preserve the stories of those who helped shape Canada.
The launch comes as the federal government’s Canada Strong Pass is expected to encourage more Canadians to visit historic destinations and attractions this summer.
One episode follows Secord’s famous 32-kilometre journey during the War of 1812, when she warned British forces of an impending American attack. The video traces her legacy before ending at her grave in Drummond Hill Cemetery.
The cemetery also contains the Soldiers Monument, which commemorates British soldiers killed during the Battle of Lundy’s Lane. The cemetery itself sits on the battlefield where one of the war’s bloodiest engagements took place.
“Historic cemeteries and monuments are more than places of remembrance. They are places where Canadians can connect with their history and better understand the people whose actions helped shape the country we know today,” Guaranteed Funeral Deposits chief executive officer Heather Kiteley said in a news release.
“We hope this series encourages Canadians to visit these sites, reflect on the stories they preserve and recognize the important role cemeteries play in protecting our collective memory.”
The Laura Secord episode was produced with the assistance of Friends of Laura Secord, a NOTL-based volunteer organization dedicated to preserving her legacy.
“Laura Secord’s story is deeply rooted in Niagara’s history and in Canada’s identity,” said Caroline McCormick, Secord’s great-great-great-granddaughter.
“Her actions during the War of 1812 made a significant contribution to Canadian history, and her legacy continues as a metaphor for courage, determination and fortitude today.”
Mark Richardson said visiting historic cemeteries offers a powerful reminder that history is personal.
“Standing in Drummond Hill Cemetery, you quickly realize that these were real people who made difficult choices and whose actions helped define the country we know today,” Richardson said.
“Places like this preserve those stories and give us an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and what it means to be Canadian.”
The “Tales from Cemetery Trails” series can be viewed on Guaranteed Funeral Deposits’ YouTube channel, which currently features episodes on Laura Secord and Sir Isaac Brock.
