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.

Submitted photo

Submitted

This October, West Hartford Hauntings, the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society’s spooky, theatrical cemetery tour, returns for its 14th year. Join us to experience history as you’ve never heard it before.

The lantern-lit tours take place on Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 19, 20, 26, and 27, 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 10 years, is especially excited for this year’s performance.

“Our cast of 27 actors is working hard to bring to life the real stories of those who lived and died in West Hartford. Some died tragically and some lost their lives much too early,” Sayers said.

This year’s guide is Mrs. Emily Webster Ellsworth, whose story will be revealed betwixt the graves. Poor Mrs. Ellsworth is suffering a dreadful toothache and seeks the only dentist who can help her. Other past West Hartford residents will be introduced along the way, including a man whose demise was due to a frozen dirt clump and a group of students who happen upon a haunted house that once stood on Mozart Street.

This community production includes local volunteer actors and students from Conard High School, Hall High School, King Philip, Bristow, and Sedgwick middle schools.

“We are fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers for this production,” Executive Director Jennifer Matos said. “The cast has been rehearsing twice a week in the cemetery at night. They are truly 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 Reid & Reige, LLC for sponsoring West Hartford Hauntings. Additional thanks to the Greater Hartford Arts Council and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for their continued support.

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