Take a walk on the 'Creepy Side of Victorian History'
Explore the "Creepy Side of Victorian History" during a "Haunted History" program.
Victorian mourning traditions, lantern-lit cemetery walk and more are planned for a spooky new program at Fischer Farm and Churchville Schoolhouse in Elmhurst.
The Elmhurst History Museum and Fischer Farm invite fans of the macabre to explore the creepy side of Victorian history during a program from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20.
The adventure starts at the Bensenville Park District's Fischer Farm, 16W680 Grand Ave. in Bensenville, with a hayride to the Churchville Schoolhouse.
Participants will encounter historian Sheila Riley who will share her extensive knowledge, photos, and objects pertaining to eerie 19th-century postmortem photography, strange Victorian mourning traditions, and 1870s cemetery symbols.
A lantern-lit walk through Churchville Cemetery and Fischer Woods, led by staff members, follows for tours and local ghost stories. Guests can share spooky stories around the fire with hot cider and s'mores.
The cost for the Haunted History program is $25 per person. Registration is required before 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18.
Space is limited. Register in person at Bensenville Park District, 1000 W. Wood St., or call (630) 766-7015.
Due to the content of the program, note that it is limited to participants age 14 and older, who must be able to traverse uneven terrain in low light and sign a waiver.
Guests are asked to arrive at Fischer Farm at least 15 minutes early.