The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society bring the spooky side of the town’s history to life in the annual ‘West Hartford Hauntings’ cemetery tour.
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This October, West Hartford Hauntings, the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society’s spooky, theatrical cemetery tour, returns for its 13th year. Join us to experience history as you’ve never heard it before.
The lantern-lit tours take place on Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 20, 21, 27, and 28, at the Old North Cemetery, 80 North Main St., West Hartford, CT. Tours leave every 15 minutes from 6-8:45 p.m and run for 45 minutes. Guests are escorted through the graves by a “dearly-departed” guide, who will tell their own tale on the journey.
In a perfect blend of real history and theater, the lives of past West Hartford residents are researched and recreated to inform the audience about our predecessors. Director Suzanne Sayers, who has led the production for the last nine years, is especially excited for this year’s performance.
“Our cast of about 25 actors are working hard to bring to life the real stories of those who lived and died many years ago in West Hartford. Some died tragically and some lost their lives much too early,” Sayers said.
This year’s guide is Mrs. Mary Bissell, whose story will be revealed betwixt the graves. Other past West Hartford residents will be introduced along the way, including a man whose murder remains a mystery, a grave-digger and his family, and a woman who accidentally set fire to her own home.
This community production includes local volunteer actors and students from Conard and Hall High Schools, and King Philip and Sedgwick Middle Schools.
“We are fortunate to have dedicated volunteers for this production,” Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society Executive Director Jennifer Matos said. “The cast has been rehearsing twice a week in the cemetery at night. They are absolutely committed to putting on a good show.”
Tickets and information are available at noahwebster.yapsody.com. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Discount tickets are available for museum members and Let’s GO Arts cardholders. An American Sign Language interpreter will be available for select tours.
Due to some frightening content, it is suggested that participants be age 10 or over.
We hope to see you among the graves.
The museum would like to thank the Greater Hartford Arts Council and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for their continued support.
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