An afternoon of remembrance and celebration of family is scheduled for Friday, October 28 at Agua Mansa Cemetery in Colton. The event, hosted by San Bernardino County Museum Curator of History Michele Nielsen, runs from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and is open to the public at no charge.

The afternoon will include the dedication of a sculpture honoring Lorenzo Trujillo, one of the original leaders and settlers of La Placita de los Trujillos (later known as La Placita) and the unveiling of a new interpretive sign. Visitors are encouraged to honor their loved ones by adding to the Dia de los Muertos community ofrenda, and families are invited to clean and decorate the graves of their relatives. Mexican Trio Los Azulado will provide a traditional mariachi cemetery serenade, and refreshments will be served.

“The original settlers who created the communities of La Placita and Agua Mansa on either side of the Santa Ana River developed the cemetery,” said Nielsen. “The first burial we are aware of took place in 1852. Many descendants of the Agua Mansans and people living in the greater community are also buried at the site, with the last burial taking place in 1963. There are approximately 2,000 people here, but only about 1,000 are identified at this time. We are actively seeking information about families represented here at the cemetery, and want to collect as much data as possible about the burials.”

The Agua Mansa Cemetery on-line burial data base is available on the museum’s website, www.sbcountymuseum.org. Members of the public who have information to share can contact Nielsen at: 909-307-2669 extension 240.

Agua Mansa Cemetery is a San Bernardino County Museum historic site and California State Historical Landmark #121 located at 2001 W. Agua Mansa Road in Colton. Refreshments, entertainment, and decorations are sponsored by Norm and Thais Kanold. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call Curator of History Michele Nielsen at (909) 307-2669 ext. 240.