NEWS RELEASE: Iconic Haunted Huguenot Street Event Returns October 24

NEW PALTZ, NY (October 20, 2014) – Historic Huguenot Street has announced the return of its signature Halloween event, Haunted Huguenot Street. This year will feature fresh interpretations and interactive activities for guests rooted in the legends and history behind Historic Huguenot Street. Haunted Huguenot Street programming will run for two weekends, October 24 - 26 and October 31 - November 2.

Interpretations and special night-time tours will span across the National Historic Landmark District. Guests will be taken to the Jean Hasbrouck House and the burial ground to hear haunting tales about the macabre and paranormal, featuring a story taken directly from the 18th century diary of Abraham Hasbrouck. Guests will then participate in one of Mrs. Gertrude Deyo-Brodhead’s infamous Murder Mystery parties at the Deyo House. Finally, guests will visit the Abraham Hasbrouck House to discuss how “ghost stories” become a part of history.

“We’re staying true to our site’s history and educational mission by providing visitors with an experience that sheds light on actual facts, fears, and events that have taken place on the street over the course of its 337-year history,” said Kara Gaffken, Director of Public Programming. “The truth behind these stories is sure to bring out the eerier side of Huguenot Street after dark.”

“Our mission is to engage our guests in experiences that show what it really meant to be a part of Huguenot Street hundreds of years ago, while highlighting how their legends and folklore fit into shaping today’s history,” said Thomas Weikel, Director of the Guest Experience.

The term "Halloween" comes from the Christian feast All Hallows Eve - the evening before All Saints Day, November 1 - which marked the beginning of the holiday meant for the solemn remembrance of Christian martyrs. All Hallows Eve was eventually contracted to "Hallow-e'en," and ultimately became "Halloween."

Haunted Huguenot Street tours will depart from the DuBois Fort Visitor Center hourly beginning at 4 pm, with the final tour leaving at 8 pm, on October 24 - 26 and November 1 - 2. On October 31, tours will depart from the DuBois Fort hourly beginning at 7 pm, with the final tour leaving at 10 pm. Complimentary donuts and cider, provided by Dressel Farms (dresselfarms.com), will be available at the DuBois Fort on October 31.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Members, seniors, military, and students $20. Non-members $25. Without pre-registration, $30 at the door.

A National Historic Landmark District, Historic Huguenot Street is a 501(c)3 non-profit that encompasses 30 buildings across 10 acres that was the heart of the original 1678 settlement, including seven stone houses that date to the early eighteenth century.  It was founded in 1894 as the Huguenot Patriotic, Historical, and Monumental Society to preserve their French and Dutch heritage.  Since then, Historic Huguenot Street has grown into an innovative museum, chartered as an educational corporation by the University of the State of New York, that is dedicated to protecting our historic buildings, conserving an important collection of artifacts and manuscripts, and promoting the stories of the Huguenot Street families, from the sixteenth century to today. 

###

Contact
Kaitlin Gallucci
Communications & Marketing Manager
(845) 255-1660
media@huguenotstreet.org