History of Halloween Explored at Washington Twp. Library

LONG VALLEY -- On Saturday, October 22, Washington Township Public Library will host "Halloween: A Haunted History." Have you ever wondered why at Halloween we carve pumpkins, dress up in costumes, or decorate our homes with skeletons and ghosts? This colorful new program by author, photographer, and lecturer Kevin Woyce traces the strange history of Halloween, from Old World harvest festivals to our modern family holiday. Along the way, Kevin will discuss the origins of the Jack-o'lantern, Orson Welles' 1938 "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast, the first monster movies, haunted lighthouses and hotels, and much more. The hour-long slideshow is illustrated with original photographs and antique Halloween cards, advertisements, artwork, and movie posters. The program is free and open to the public but registration is requested at wtpl.org or by calling the library at 908-876-3596. Washington Township Public Library is located at 37 East Springtown Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853.