Halloween

October 31st has long been know as the one day the barrier between the living and the dead becomes blurred. Halloween's origins date to the ancient Celtics who believe spirits could roam the earth one day a year. To appease them, celebrations and bonfires were held in their honor. In an attempt to turn the festivities into a church sanctioned holiday, Pope Boniface IV declared November 1 All Saint’s Day or All-Hallows. But the non Christian traditions did not die. People dressed in masks and costumes so that roaming spirits would mistake the living for the dead. The poor could beg for bread or “soul cakes” in exchange for a promise to pray for the deceased. The story of Stingy Jack became a Halloween staple. He tricked the devil to stay out of hell, but was turned down at the Pearly Gates of Heaven. He was condemned to wander the earth with burning coal inside a turnip for light. When people around the world mimicked Jack’s lantern, they often used a native plants, including a pumpkin.
Come join us October 25th and 26th for the Sixth Annual Halloween the Mourning Tours for a closer look into the role of ghosts and spiritualism in society, the traditions surrounding death and of course a re-creation of a Victorian funeral. Be sure to check out our newest attraction. For the first time, the museum will have a haunted house inside the Ford Home. Not just any haunted house, but one that celebrates the development of the haunted houses through history. Inspiration for this event comes from volunteer Christine Norden. Complete with Witches, Ghosts, and Vampires, chidren and adults alike will learn the origins of Halloween and the way it was being changed and modified to American society. We are excited to unveil this new edition to Halloween and Mourning Tours and hope you will join us. Please see http://www.heritagesquare.org/ for more information about this exciting event.