Save the Graves 2026 – Everyday Heroes

October 17, 2026
10:00 am
- 4:00 pm
Placerville Union Cemetery, 650 Bee Street

Event Details

Local History Comes to Life

This year’s production features six historical figures “breaking the mold.”

Frank Andre, “the Goat Doctor”
* renowned intuitive healer as told by his psychic mother, Anna.

Dr. Jean Babcock, pioneering female physician
* struggles for acceptance in a male dominated field.

Charlotte “Charley” Parkhurst, stagecoach driver
* the challenges of living a double life in the 19th century.

Rev. C.C. Peirce, “the Peoples’ Pastor”
* travels by foot ministering to rural communities.

Lucy Ann Stoddard, “the Pie Lady of Placerville”
* entrepreneurial gold rush divorcee feeds miners from Main Street bakery.

Dorothea Zeisz, abandoned mother of ten
* becomes beloved boardinghouse proprietress.

Tickets: $15 Adults, Kids 17 & Under Free

Get Tickets

Interested in volunteering at the event? Contact us.

Performances throughout the day

Fun for the Whole Family

Also:
* Local History Presentations
* Recap of Recent Cemetery Projects
* Cemetery FAQs and Q&A Session
* Free Parking at High School
* Shuttle Provided
* Food Options

Meet the Characters

Anna and Frank Andre Bio Photo
Frank and Anna Andre
Jean Anne Wessels Bio Photo
Dr. Anna Jean Wessels Babcock
Charley Parkhurst Bio Photo
Charley Parkhurst
CC Peirce Bio Photo
Rev. C. C. Peirce
Lucy Stoddard Bio Photo
Lucy Ann Stoddard
Dorothea Zeisz Bio Photo
Dorothea Zeisz

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional questions, please email us at: info@savethegraveseldorado.org

Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at the gate. We accept cash, credit cards, and Venmo.

Gates open at 9:30am. The first performance starts at 10:00. The last performance begins at 3:30.

Each performance highlights an everyday hero of El Dorado County.

We have two main stages with six different performances repeated every 30 minutes throughout the day. On a separate stage, you can learn about local cemetery projects, cemetery lore and local history.

Schedules will be posted and in the program. Get there early for good seating. Seating is limited after show begins. Ushers will be available to assist with seating and directions.

Limited parking for those with mobility issues is located in front of the cemetery. Passengers may also be dropped off.

We encourage you to park in the lot at El Dorado High School (561 Canal Street).

A free shuttle service is provided to and from the high school parking lot directly to the front gate of the cemetery. Inside the cemetery, a golf cart will provide shuttle service up the hill.

Food items will be available for purchase in the exhibitor area. You can also bring your own food. Bottled water will also be available.

Unfortunately, we cannot allow pets unless you have an approved service animal.

Tickets are non-refundable.

In the event of rain, we may announce an alternate indoor venue.

This is a historic cemetery with uneven terrain, steep hills and graves throughout. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Please take care walking around the cemetery. And yes, it’s okay to walk on the graves here.