Cowtown plans three weekends of spooky-themed events
With three weekends of spooky-themed events in the coming weeks, Old Cowtown Museum is becoming a sort of Halloween central among area attractions.
“Our goal is to become the spot people want to go for Halloween, whether it’s for trick-or-treating for little kids or to get scared as adults,” said Jacky Goerzen, the museum’s executive director.
Some of the events will capitalize on Old Cowtown’s popularity among paranormal researchers and the reported spirits lingering in its old buildings, while some will rely on myths and made-up scares. Cowtown has been called “a beacon for paranormal activity” by USA Ghost Hunts.
Here’s a list of its events meant to get you in the spooky spirit.
Boos and Brews, 7 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Sept. 30. Goerzen calls this event a “chance to hang out with ghosts and spirits.”
That’s partly because Cowtown staff will be recreating a Victorian-era séance with Goerzen playing the medium. Seances were a phenomenon of the Victorian time period, which overlaps a bit with the historical time period Cowtown represents as a living history museum. They were part of what became known as the late 19th-century Spiritualism movement. Even Queen Victoria reportedly attended seances. Cowtown’s recreations will happen in the Empire House Theatre. Expect a little history lesson on the Spiritualism movement, too.
Another Victorian-age phenomenon that will be on display is Cowtown’s collection of what were known as death photos. With photography being a relatively new technology, the practice of postmortem photography became popular in the late 1800s.
Other activities include members of the Wichita Paranormal Research Society sharing information about their ghost hunts, gunfights and performances by Cowtown’s steampunk-inspired dance troupe, Piccadilly Players.
This is for adults ages 18 and older; must be 21 to drink. Admission is $15 or free with Cowtown membership. For more info: 316-350-3323, oldcowtown.org or facebook.com/events/1038478883764638
Historic Hauntings of Cowtown, 7-11:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Visitors can watch a movie put together by WPRS featuring video from its prior ghost hunts and interviews with Cowtown staff, and then visit the various buildings to hear the ghost stories associated with those sites.
One of the most famous ghost stories involves Love ‘N’ Tangle, the 8-year-old daughter of Eagle founder and publisher Marshall Murdock and his wife, Victoria. In 1883, the girl died in the home, which was moved to Cowtown to be part of the museum. As was typical of the times, her funeral was held in the downstairs parlor. Her spirit reportedly shows up at various times in the house.
Parental discretion on whether this event is appropriate for kids is advised. Goerzen said none of the recorded ghosts have shown ill will towards human visitors.
“People might just be startled,” she said.
Admission is $15 or free with Cowtown membership. For more info: 316-350-3323, oldcowtown.org or facebook.com/events/403273165260780
Hay, Hooves and Halloween, 2-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22 and 23. This long-running, popular family-friendly event gives kids the opportunity to make Halloween crafts and do a bit of trick-or-treating while the Headless Horseman of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” rides the streets and zombie gunfighters shoot it out. Expect some ghost stories at this event too, and other live entertainment throughout the grounds. Kids can come in costume.
This year, “Sleepy Hollow” protagonist Ichabod Crane will likely be on horseback, too, as the Headless Horseman gives chase, Goerzen said.
Admission is $5 per person, with Cowtown members and kids ages 4 and under free. For more info: 316-350-3323, oldcowtown.org or facebook.com/events/1585717208471693/1585717215138359
Echoes of Fear, 7 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29. This has been a relatively new addition to Cowtown’s haunted happenings but as an adults-only event. This year, the museum is allowing teens 14 and older to attend on Friday night only. Admission on Saturday will be 18 and older, 21 to drink. Costumes are encouraged.
Beyond relying on the ghostly reputation, the museum will include some scary stunts and attractions, with appearances — and chases — by horror movie characters Freddy Krueger and Jason. A haunted carnival will take place in the museum’s farm field and look for a haunted hospital. Entertainment will include the band Pretend Friends in the Empire House Theatre and performances by Piccadilly Players.
Tickets are $15 per person and free to Cowtown members. . For more info: 316-350-3323, oldcowtown.org or facebook.com/events/1025183334800045.