The 2026 version of West Hartford Hauntings will have an “America250” theme, share real history in a scary setting, and benefit the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society.

Courtesy image

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford’s oldest burial ground, Old North Cemetery, will once again be the scene for spooky, lantern-lit tours where brave visitors will have a chance to “meet” long-departed residents who will materialize from amongst the graves and recall tales of their demise and place in the town’s history.

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 22nd 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.

This year’s all-new Hauntings event has an “America-250” theme, and while theatrical, storylines have been reconstructed from the actual lives – and deaths – of past residents from sources that include gravestones, newspaper archives, death notices, and other primary sources. Visitors will be able to learn how the Revolutionary War directly affected Noah Webster’s family and about the plight of “Loyalists” within the colonies during the fight for American independence. Noted West Hartford residents like Sarah Whitman Hooker and Bristow, who was enslaved here during the 18th century, will share their stories.

“We are thrilled to offer this popular event for our 22nd year,” said Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society Executive Director Jeffrey Mainville. “‘Hauntings’ is a great way to enjoy the spooky season with your friends – and learn a little history at the same time,” he said. “We are grateful to the 1,000 people that attend each year and would also like to thank our 2026 sponsors: Goff Law Group in West Hartford and Reid & Riege Attorneys in Hartford,” Mainville added.

West Hartford Hauntings will offer five performance dates to the public this year: October 22, 23, 24, 29, and 30. The tours are conducted within the Old North Cemetery, 80 North Main Street, West Hartford, Connecticut. Tours leave every 15 minutes between 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. ,and run for 45 minutes. Tickets, which are $25 each, are on sale now on the museum’s website at www.noahwebsterhouse.org and clicking on the “West Hartford Hauntings” slider, or through this link. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10 or more.

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.

“Don’t wait,” cautioned Mainville. “We haven’t raised prices in years, and West Hartford Hauntings generally sells out every year.   Folks should consider grabbing tickets for the first week dates of October 22, 23 or 24.  Once those dates pass on by, the remaining spots are limited or sold out,” he said.

Tours will run in all weather conditions, including rain or snow, and guests should dress for the weather. Tickets are not refundable.

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)

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