It’s dark, long past sunset. There’s something disquieting in the air. The old buildings, even the trees, their dry leaves rustling, seem to be whispering dark, sinister secrets.
The 19th-century stories of unnatural happenings, dark intimations and terrors that will haunt your nights, are right at home in this historic village. The region is already awash in tales of wandering spirits, murder and the unexplained.
The iconic tales of 19th-century horror come alive in the all-new Spirits of the Past Tours Fridays and Saturdays , Oct. 18-19 & 25-26.
Using the 19th-century historic village as its canvas, the 75-minute tour will revisit scenes from the pens of Edgar Allan Poe, the creators of Sweeney Todd and others.
Witness theatrical scenes from many of the spooky stories & novels that Western New Yorkers were reading some 150 years ago. Adaptations from seven of these stories will be chosen and performed in short vignettes acted out inside the historic homes.
Tour guides will lead guests through the darker recesses of the village to re-discover these literary tales. From cellars to cupolas, no quarter that offers a forbidding venue for these true tales and folklore is ignored.
Tours depart every 10 minutes each night between 6 and 9:30 p.m. Cost is $16/$14 members.
Reservations are required. Call (585) 538-6822.
The program is not recommended for children under 12 . With the uneven walk areas and sometimes steep stairways, walking shoes are a must. Please be prepared to be walking and standing for the entire length of the tour. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
Refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the evening in the museum's Freight House Pub.
Photography credits: Dave Valvo