Mary Catherine Luther Marshall and Andrew Jackson Haviland won’t actually be talking to anyone since they died in the late 1800s. But actors who thoroughly researched their lives will be portraying them.

Haviland, Marshall, Eloise Hurst Welch and William Lathrop will be portrayed during the 23rd annual Oakland Cemetery Walk to be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the cemetery on North 15th Street.

In addition to the live portrayals, tour guides will take groups past 29 other headstones and talk about the people buried there.

Rick Carle, an organizer of the annual Cemetery Walk, said the people featured in each one are individuals who had a significant impact in shaping Fort Dodge.

“If it wasn’t for them, Fort Dodge would not be Fort Dodge,” he said.

Oakland Cemetery is very hilly, but Carle said the walk will be “up on nice level ground.”

Free will donations will be accepted to help pay for the care and preservation of the cemetery.

There is no parking available at the cemetery. But parking will be available at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1436 21st Ave. N. A bus will travel back and forth between the church and the cemetery, with the first bus leaving the church parking lot at 1:45 p.m.

Here is a summary of the prominent Fort Dodgers who will be portrayed at the Cemetery Walk.

Eloise Hurst Welch — 1911-2013. She was the wife of a well-known owner of a shoe store on Central Avenue. She was a teacher and was involved in First Congregational Church, PEO, the Blanden Memorial Art Museum and the Women’s Club. She lived to be 102. She will be portrayed by Marsha Halbach.

Mary Catherine Luther Marshall — 1811-1899. A direct descendant of Martin Luther, she was a suffragist, created programs for underprivileged children and was a prominent educator. She will be portrayed by Ruth Bennett.

Andrew Jackson Haviland — 1820-1888. He was known throughout the region for his knowledge of horticulture. He was the first in the area to have a nursery. He also made carriages. He will be portrayed by Garrett Savery.

William Lathrop — 1845-1896. He had a hauling business called W.D. Lathrop & Son which specialized in the transportation of goods. He was killed in a wagon accident. He will be portrayed by Randy Hoover.