Smithfield, NC, September 23, 2026:
The Johnston County Heritage Center will stage its 22nd annual Ghost Walk on Thursday, October 29, and Friday, October 30, in Smithfield’s historic Riverside Cemetery.
Beginning at 6 pm, six historical personalities will be brought back to life. Visitors will be greeted at the corner of Second and Church Streets beside St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where they will be given guided tours through the cemetery. Tours end at 8 pm.
The line-up includes Delilah McCoy (Revolutionary War orphan, portrayed by Zen Kelly), Rev. Philemon Wesley Archer (namesake of Archer Lodge, portrayed by Rev. Adam Charville), The Honorable John Rufus Coats (farmer and politician, portrayed by Adam Caldwell), Sylvia Richardson Holder (formerly enslaved matriarch and herbalist, portrayed by Denise Joyner), Louis Abdalla (Lebanese merchant, portrayed by Ned Attayek), and Mattie Woodall Creech (housewife and murder victim, portrayed by Mary-Leigh Hamilton).
There are several special bonuses each evening. Organist Bill McClure of Garner will perform Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor and other works on the St. Paul’s organ. The church’s Brotherhood of St. Andrew will sell barbecue sandwiches and hot dogs. Author James Parker will be in the Hastings House to greet visitors after the tour and sign copies of his book, Ghostly North Carolina.
“This is a fun educational experience for all ages that a lot of people look forward to,” says event chairman Matt Dean. “We are excited about offering this popular event two separate evenings.”
Admission charge is $10 for adults and $5 for students, payable online in advance or at the event. To make a reservation online, go to the Heritage Center’s website, johnstonnc.gov/heritage.
For further information, visit the Heritage Center’s website or Facebook page, www.facebook.com/jocoheritage.
