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. After your tour, visit West Overton Distilling for a Halloween-themed cocktail.

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 at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the following dates. Each tour is approximately one hour and involves walking outdoors, up and down stairs, and in the dark. Please register in advance - tours have limited capacity and we cannot guarantee there will be tickets available at the door.

• Thursday, October 2
• Friday, October 3
• Friday, October 10
• Thursday, October 16
• Friday, October 17
• Thursday, October 23