Carla Clark | For The Republic
Diane Robbins is shown at a past event.
The paranormal and a bit of the abnormal and more will line the path of a self guided tour from 5 to 9 p,m, Nov. 1 in downtown Columbus.
Therein lies the essence of “Haunted History: Downtown’s Paranormal Past.” Tickets are $20 per person in advance and $25 per person the day of the event at https://bartholomewhistory.org.
The Bartholomew County Historical Society fundraiser is a self-guided tour of seven locations locally. Organizers are hoping for 200-plus attendees — and maybe a revamped tour next year if this proves popular.
“This is a mini version of our popular Open Door Tour combined with elements of Talking Tombstones,” said Diane Robbins, executive director of the historical society, referring to its two most popular events of the past few year
Eight haunted history actors will portray, in first person, stories from their lives and the locations where they once lived, including Swine & Dine, the Odd Fellows Lodge, Viewpoint Books, Viewpoint Books: Chapter Two, The Crump, The Bartholomew County Historical Society, and 411 Gallery.
Also, paranormal expert Matthew Jackson will share experiences he has had at various downtown locations with presentations at The Crump at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Plus, tour attendees can enjoy stories of Columbus’ strange and oddball past, as told by author of the locally bestselling “Wicked Columbus,” Paul J. Hoffman at Viewpoint Books: Chapter Two. That strange history includes the mysterious poisoning of a then-Bartholomew County Hospital prominent physician.
“We wanted to find a fun way to activate and energize the downtown on a Friday night,” Robbins said.
Each ticket includes a free, non-alcoholic drink from Swine & Dine. You may also purchase drinks to enjoy as you wander through what organizers are calling “spooktacular locations.”
The first 20 ticket holders visiting 411 Gallery and its latest Mill Race Monster exhibition will receive a free Mill Race Monster comic book designed by Kevin Zeigler.
Worried that the paranormal portion of the tour would leave you with abnormal dreams? You can simply enjoy touring the seven cool locations and skip that portion, according to organizers.
Attendees 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult and require a ticket. This is a walking tour with accessibility limitations at most locations.
Besides the historical society website, tickets are available on Eventbrite, at Viewpoint Books, Swine & Dine, and the Historical Society museum. During the event, tickets can be purchased at the above locations and at The Crump.
The event is a partnership between The Bartholomew County Historical Society, Viewpoint Books, Swine & Dine, the Columbus Area Arts Council and The Crump.
For tickets
bartholomewhistory.org
