Author: Lauryn Weigold (Page 4 of 4)

With a cool breeze in the air, leaves falling to the ground, and the nights getting dark sooner, Halloween is on its way. Spend your Halloween (or lead up to Halloween) taking in one of the many spooky season activities and exhibits being held by museums in Massachusetts.

Historic Haunts

Gore Place (Waltham) Frightful Fridays

Pairing a historic mansion with four spooky tales, the Gore Place’s Frightful Fridays are an entertaining way to spend an evening–and maybe get a chill down your spine. Held Friday nights at 6:30 and 7:45 PM through October 27th.

Hammond Castle Museum (Gloucester) Spiritualism Tours

For those seeking a candlelit and gothic tour around a charming castle, look no further than the Spiritualism Tours held at Hammond Castle Museum, which touches on the history of the Spiritualism movement in America and the Hammond family’s connection to it. Held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings through October 26th. 

Old North Church (Boston) After Hours Crypt Tours

Brave souls looking to get up close and personal with the dead will delight in Old North Church’s After Hours Crypt Tours. An extended version of their regular crypt tours, the After Hours tour is jam-packed with stories of people buried in the crypt and the latest archaeological discoveries. Tours are held every night at 5:30 and 6:15 PM from October 26th to the 31st.

The Mount (Lenox) Ghost Tours

Having written a number of ghost stories herself, it comes as no surprise that Edith Wharton’s estate, The Mount, offers ghost tours. Spend the evening walking the halls and hearing the eerie tales of ghostly encounters that have happened over the years. Tour start times vary, but are held through October 31st.

Eerie Exhibits

Peabody Essex Museum (Salem) Salem Witch Trials Walk

Looking to extend the exhibit experience of PEM’s “The Salem Witch Trials: Restoring Justice”? Do their Salem Witch Trials Walk, an audio guided tour that starts in the museum but takes you through the streets of Salem. Included with admission. Exhibit runs until November 26th. 

Historic Salem Inc. (Salem) Architecture of Fear: The Victorian Haunted House

Calling all architecture and horror fans! You won’t want to miss Historic Salem Inc.’s Architecture of Fear walking tour that discusses why Victorian architecture is so heavily associated with haunted houses and the horror genre. Tours held on Sunday October 22nd and 29th at 5:30 PM. 

Salem Witch Museum (Salem) Witches: Evolving Perceptions

Visit one of Salem’s most notable permanent exhibits, “Witches: Evolving Perceptions,” which “explores the meaning behind the word witch and evolution of the image of the witch over time.” Hours vary per day, but tickets must be purchased ahead of time and go on sale for the day at midnight.

Frightening Festivities

Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge) Phantoms by Firelight

Old Sturbridge Village’s Halloween celebration is back and “bigger than ever!” Whether you’re looking to see circus acts, learn about funeral traditions in the 1830s, hear spooky stories by a bonfire, or simply sink your teeth into seasonal treats and beverages, Old Sturbridge Village has it all. Held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night from 4:30 to 9 PM through October 29th.

Trustees of the Reservations (Stockbridge) Naumkeag Pumpkin Show

If you’re more of a pumpkin and apple cider kind of person, head to Naumkeag’s Pumpkin Show in Stockbridge, where you’ll find more than 1,500 Jack-o-lanterns, hundreds of mums, hot cider, and fall treats. Held every night Wednesday to Sunday through October 29th. 

Trustees of the Reservations (Lincoln) Full Moon Tours at deCordova

For those looking to howl at the moon while surrounded by art, the Full Moon Tours offered at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum will be a perfect fit. Held once a month (not just during October), the Full Moon Tour in October will happen on Sunday, October 29th from 7-8 PM.