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Victorian spiritualism to be centerpiece of Halloween at Tanner House

Victorians loved spiritualism and eagerly celebrated the most spirit-filled holiday of the year, Halloween.

The Aurora Historical Society is channeling that enthusiasm this weekend at the Tanner House Museum.

"Death Comes to the Tanner House" is a self-guided tour of the 1857 mansion as re-enactors mount a Victorian-style Halloween party.

Real-life spirit medium and fortuneteller Susan Helwig, portraying "Madame Zarkov," a fictional person supposedly from the Romanian neighborhood on the east side, takes over the library of the house, while ensemble member Scott Sherwood attempts to capture ghosts on film in the dining room.

Sherwood impersonates an actual resident, Casimir Arcouet, who was a well-known professional photographer and artist in Aurora with a studio at 91 Fox St., now East Downer Place, in the Victorian era.

Docent Sherry Salvesen interprets Marion Simpson, one of the Tanner daughters, who gives out soul cakes to visitors, an Irish custom related to prayers for the dead, and forerunner of trick-or-treating.

Other party activities surround these spiritual elements.

It will be offered Friday, Oct. 28 to Sunday, Oct. 30, with entries to the party at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m.

Admission is $15 per person; $12 for Aurora Historical Society members and must be reserved in advance either online at www.aurorahistory.net or by calling (630) 906-0650.

Those younger than age 18 must be accompanied by adult. The museum is at 304 Oak Ave. in Aurora.

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