A small and quaint but easily recognizable cemetery lies to the right of Shelby County 61 N.

For the town of Wilsonville, loved ones and family who industrialized this town long before we were here have stories and lifetimes worth of memories on each grave marker.

Even the old and broken or illegible markers hold tales of their own.

The Wilsonville cemetery dates back as early as the 1800s for some of the residents of Wilsonville who have ancestors buried there, and continues on being used today.

It consists of two parts, the William T. Tinney Family Cemetery, which is fenced in and located inside the main Wilsonville Cemetery.

The William T. Tinney Family Cemetery is on the Alabama Cemetery Register and was listed on the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register after being favorably reviewed in 2005.

In April, the Wilsonville cemetery had a good review and was also listed on the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register with the Alabama Historical Commission.

It is also in the Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance on the Alabama Cemetery Register.

The Alabama Historical Association has been placing historical markers for 60 years now for people interested in Alabama history.

After meeting all the criteria to receive a historical marker, the event of dedication can take place.

On June 27, the big event of dedicating the Wilsonville Cemetery historic marker will take place at 3 p.m. The purpose of this event is to increase and promote public awareness of the abundant cultural heritage Alabama has.

It also enhances the gratification and enjoyment of all the historic sites in Alabama from its tourists and citizens as it adds richly to the wonderful markers which already exist.

The town of Wilsonville welcomes anyone who would like to attend to come and be a part of this special day.

Kennedy Tolbert is the community columnist for Wilsonville. She can be reached at kennedytolbert@bellsouth.net.