Field Library Event To Explore Halloween's Haunted History

PEEKSKILL, NY — This is the perfect time of year for ghost stories, but an upcoming "The Haunted History of Halloween" talk presented by The Field Library of Peekskill and Warner Library of Tarrytown promises to be both hair-raising and illuminating.

This virtual program, presented by author Kevin Woyce, will trace the strange history of Halloween, from old world harvest festivals to a modern holiday with snack-sized Snickers bars and store-bought costumes.

Woyce promises to reveal the origins of the jack-o'lantern, explore the mystique surrounding Orson Welles' infamous 1938 War of The Worlds radio broadcast and expose the secrets of the first monster movies. He will also transport participants to the most haunted houses, lighthouses and hotels in the region.

The one-hour-long slideshow will include a spooky array of original photographs and antique Halloween cards, advertisements, artwork, and movie posters.

The online exhibition will take place on October 4, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event is free and open to all mummies, monsters and mermaids in the Hudson Valley. The presentation will be hosted on Zoom. Those who are ghoulishly interested can register here.