Museum staff and volunteers take part in last year’s cemetery tour at Forestdale Cemetery.
Photo credit: Wistariahurst Museum
HOLYOKE — October’s imminent arrival means “spooky season” is almost here, and the Wistariahurst Museum is hosting a bevy of events to celebrate this festive time of year.
The museum invites guests to 238 Cabot St. to learn stories about the home and its history, embark on cemetery tours and paranormal investigations and indulge in a sensory-friendly trick-or-treat event throughout October.
Wistariahurst Museum Director Megan Seiler highlighted how the schedule includes events for everyone.
“Wistariahurst has something for everyone and all ages and you get a little bit of history with your spooky,” Seiler stated. “It’s a really good time to explore the museum or explore the cemetery with some really fun guides, and it has become a tradition for a lot of people because there’s always maybe a new character or somebody who can bring something new to a role. You can be as scared or not as scared as you’d like.”
Tickets for events can be found on the museum’s Eventbrite at tinyurl.com/3yt852fc. Any event that requires a ticket is $18 for general admission or $15 for museum members. All proceeds will go back to the museum to support its programs.
On Thursday, Oct. 1, the museum will begin its spooky season with a haunting exhibit about death in the Victorian era. Guests will notice historic items related to mourning and learn about common mourning customs in the late 1800s.
The opening reception for Memento Mori will be held on Oct. 1 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and the exhibit will be on display during Wistariahurst’s open hours: Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. through Nov. 3.
On Saturday, Oct. 10, Wistariahurst volunteers will lead guests through the Forestdale Cemetery to channel the spirits of Holyoke’s ancestors. Established in 1860, the cemetery offers a beautiful landscape and functions as the resting place of many of Holyoke’s founding families, politicians and other notables who shaped the city, according to the museum.
Tours last for 45 minutes to one hour and will begin at 3 p.m. and 3:20 p.m. Times may be added if the tour sells out.
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m., guests will witness the supernatural side of Wistariahurst by exploring the halls of the home by candlelight.
During the tour, guests will hear stories about the Skinner family, the tragedy that moved their home and business to Holyoke, and other tales of the mansion’s history. The guided tour will include standing and walking between the first and second floors using the grand staircase in dim lighting.
On Friday, Oct. 16, at 6:45 p.m., guests are invited to take a step back in time and watch a screening of the horror classic and 1922 silent film, “Nosferatu.” The screening will take place outdoors in the museum gardens, on a large 12-foot screen courtesy of One Holyoke.
The museum invites guests to bring their own blankets and chairs. Outside alcohol is not permitted, and the ticket will include light refreshments. Tickets will be $7.18 for children and $12.51 for adults.
On Friday, Oct. 23, at 5:30 p.m., guests will tour from the dead servants’ point of view. The guided event will include characters posing as “former residents” of the historic house, manifesting to speak of eerie events and strange happenings that occurred during their mortal lives.
Doors open at 5:20 p.m., and children under 16 years old need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The museum said guests will discover dark tales of death, loss and spirits said to still roam the halls. This tour may include loud noises, challenging subjects and possible jump scares, according to organizers. Parents are advised to consider these factors before purchasing tickets.
The museum will host a free sensory-friendly trick-or-treat on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 1-3 p.m. with time slots. Children of all ages will collect six “spook-tacular” items by exploring the museum and choose prizes ranging from candy to fidget toys.
Guests are welcome and encouraged to wear their costumes. When signing up on Eventbrite, the museum encourages guests to reserve one time slot per family. Families can sign up for 10-minute time slots between 1 and 2:30 p.m. and will be limited to two at a time. The trick-or-treat event will occur until 3 p.m. to allow children to explore at their own pace and enjoy a stress-free experience. Families are welcome to stay and search as long as they want. Time slots are meant to ensure a calm and seamless check-in process, organizers said.
To close out the month, the Wistariahurst Museum will host Spirits Speak with the Spirit Sisters on Friday, Oct. 30, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. As All Hallows’ Eve approaches, guests will dive into a paranormal investigation inside the halls.
The event’s attendees will learn about ghost-hunting equipment and attempt to uncover any paranormal activity. By purchasing this ticket, patrons will be entered to win a private paranormal investigation of Wistariahurst Museum with the Spirit Sisters.
Questions about any event can be directed to the museum at info@wistariahurst.org or by calling 413-322-5660.
