Spirits of Hallowe'en History

🎃 Step into the shadows this Halloween at West Overton Village & Museum! 👻

This October, explore the eerie origins of Halloween traditions from ancient Celtic rituals to Victorian parties and today's trick or treat. 

Uncover the dark and fascinating history behind your favorite haunted holiday. Local Halloween celebrations once spanned days of frightful fun. Learn about the debauchery of Chalk Night and Mischief Night across southwestern Pennsylvania. Hear true tales of neighborhood pranks from the ever-popular “corning” to more dangerous hijinks: wheelbarrows hanging from telephone poles, signs missing from buildings, and entire wagons hoisted onto roofs. 

Tour the 1838 Overholt Homestead by candlelight. Try some Victorian fortune telling party games: Who will be your future love? Will you become wealthy? Who in your group will meet an untimely demise?

Stop by a re-created 1800s Halloween party and enjoy a historical treat. 

Written using dozens of local newspaper articles and historical sources, this immersive tour delves into the real history of Hallow’s Eve.

What this program IS:

• A journey through the history of Halloween, especially in southwestern Pennsylvania 

• Grounded in scholarship and local research

• An exploration of regional folklore and local traditions 
  

What this program is NOT:

• A ghost tour or haunted house

• A paranormal investigation (do not bring such equipment)

• About specific deaths in any historic family associated with West Overton 

“So boys, get your clubs ready, and girls get your tubs full of water and lay in a good supply of apples and nuts, for Holler Eve only comes once a year, and only lasts one night.” - Latrobe Advance, October 26, 1887

Plan Your Visit

This program will be offered on the following dates at 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30 p.m.:

• Wednesday, October 28

• Thursday, October 29

• Friday, October 30

Each tour is approximately one hour and involves walking outdoors, up and down stairs, and in the dark.

How to Register + Ticket Info

After clicking "Register," you will be prompted to select your preferred date and time.

Space is limited to 12 guests per tour. All ages are welcome!

Please note that ages 0-5 are free and don't need official tickets; there will be a separate box in the checkout to indicate if you have any young children attending.

Also join us on October 28-30 from 6-9 p.m. for special Hallowe'en cocktails in the Overholt Stateroom, located on the second floor of the Museum in our Whiskey Heritage Center.

The Overholt Stateroom will be decorated for spooky season and cocktail sales will benefit the Museum.

Entry to the Pop-Up bar is free and open to the public!