In 1865, the Elmwood cemetery in Sycamore opened its gates for the first time. Now, 138 years later, it is the home to some of Sycamore’s most treasured history.

On Sunday, the Sycamore Historical Society hosted its annual Elmwood Cemetery Walk. The walk lasted about two hours and shed light on the stories behind the names on the tombstones.

Katie Davis, a member of the Cemetery Walk Committee, said the walk helps inform the community about all the history at Elmwood.

“We want to make people aware of the cemetery and the historical value that it has,” Davis said.

In front of a crowd of about 40 people, several stories were told at specific sites throughout the burial grounds.

Sheri Burress of Sycamore said she came to the walk because she always has been interested in the cemetery.

“I’ve lived here since 1987, and I’m just fascinated with how old some of the stones are,” Burress said.

The cemetery has several unique grave sites, including those of two black soldiers who fought in the Civil War and the first person in Sycamore to die from polio.

Elmwood is a conglomeration of several other cemeteries that were, at one time, all in Sycamore. The graves of these former cemeteries probably were extracted and transferred to Elmwood.

Elmwood stretches 35 acres of land and has more than 17,000 graves.

The historical society formed in 1999, and at that time, took over hosting the walk, which is now in its 10th year.

The Sycamore Historical Society does more than just this cemetery walk. The Historical Society Museum, 215 W. Elm Street in Sycamore, contains numerous artifacts that date back to the mid-1800s. Everything from old village records to obituaries can be found at the museum.

The museum is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and in the spring and summer on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.