West Hartford Hauntings 2025 will share real history in a scary setting, and benefit the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society.

West Hartford Hauntings 2025. Courtesy image

By Ronni Newton 

Each year a different host is selected to guide groups of brave visitors through a lantern-lit tour of West Hartford’s Old North Cemetery, and this year Mrs. Joanna Cadwell Steele – the wife of Allyn Steele, whose house still stands on Fern Street – will return in “body” and spirit to share many untold tales and details of the traumas experienced by real life West Hartford residents years ago.

This unique look back at the town’s history through a theatrical cemetery tour has become an October tradition, and West Hartford Hauntings is now in its 21st year. Old North Cemetery, located at 80 North Main Street, dates back to c. 1790 and is one of the oldest burial grounds in the area and the resting place of many dearly departed residents who are eager for the opportunity to enlighten visitors about the past.

The annual West Hartford Hauntings event is a popular activity for the entire family, but is recommended for ages 10 and up due to the scary content. The tours are hosted by the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society and are a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization.

“Each year, the Noah Webster House creates storylines for West Hartford Hauntings based on research conducted on the lives – and deaths – of past residents. Old North gravestones, newspaper archives, death notices, wills, and other primary resources can yield pieces of a story culminates in a perfect blend of history and outdoor theater,” the Noah Webster House said in an announcement of the event.

here will be six performance dates of West Hartford Hauntings this year, spread over two weekends, and the event is held rain (or snow) or shine and guests are urged to dress appropriately. Dates are Oct. a6, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25. Tours depart from Old North Cemetery every 15 minutes between 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., and each tour lasts roughly 45 minutes. The 6 p.m. tour on Oct. 18 will include American Sign Language interpretation.

Tickets are $20 for museum members an $25 for the general public, with discounts for groups of 10 or more. The event traditionally sells out. Tickets, which are not refundable, can be purchased online at noahwebster.yapsody.com.

Refreshments and a limited selection of West Hartford Gift Shop and Hauntings-related merchandise will be offered for sale at the site.

Old North Cemetery signage. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

The museum would like to thank Goff Law Group, Reid & Riege, P.C., and The Markens Group for sponsoring West Hartford Hauntings. Email events@noahwebsterhouse.org to learn how you can sponsor this program or purchase a program ad.

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