Halloween Comes to the Grundy Library and Museum Beginning October 1st

Opening Night of Spiritualism in the Victorian Era Set for October 24th 

The Grundy Foundation announces an exciting series of Halloween events hosted by the Grundy Library and the Grundy Museum, starting October 1^st. The opening night of the Museum’s exhibition Spiritualism in the Victorian Era is set for the evening of October 24, 2025.  

“Halloween at Grundy offers many fun experiences for the whole family. With eight events and a week-long exhibit, there will be some spiritual spookiness for everyone!”, said Jameson Gilpatrick, Associate Executive Director of the Grundy Foundation.  

Full list of events, including registration information: 

• October 1, 6.30 pm – 7.45 pm: The Origins of the Legend: The New Jersey Devil 
• October 4, 11 am – 1 pm: Make a Mask Workshop, registration required 
• October 7, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm: Stem After Dark: Under the Skin 
• October 15, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm: Beyond the Veil: An Intro to Spiritualism, with Spiritualist Minister Dawn Pfeufer, registration required 
• October 21, 6 pm – 6:45 pm: Get Creepy and Crafty: Movie Night and Clay Ghosts Craft, registration required 
• October 21, 7 pm – 8:30 pm: Books and Brews @ Cafe Giovanni When We Spoke to the Dead by Ilise S. Carter 
• October 24, 6 pm – 8 pm: Opening Night Spiritualism in the Victorian Era, with Author Ilise S. Carter and Spiritualism Exhibit, Tickets Required 
• October 25, 1 pm – 3 pm: Crafting Fear: An Author Talk with Chuck Wendig, The Staircase in the Woods 
• October 25 – November 1: Exhibition Spiritualism in the Victorian Era at the Grundy Museum, Free and no registration required: 
  • Saturday, October 25^th, 1pm – 4pm 
  • Monday, October 27^th, 6pm – 8pm 
  • Tuesday. October 28^th, 1pm – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm 
  • Wednesday, October 29^th, 6pm – 8pm 
  • Thursday, October 30^th, 6pm – 8pm 
  • Friday, October 31^st, 1pm – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm 
  • Saturday, November 1^st, 1pm – 4pm 

Anchoring the series is the museum’s exhibition Halloween at the Grundy Museum: Spiritualism in the Victorian Era, which explores the 19th-century belief that one could communicate with the dead. The exhibit will feature Brandon Hodges’ nationally recognized spiritualism collection including Ouija boards, planchettes, and other séance-related devices. The exhibit will also highlight the life of Rebecca Hulme Grundy on the 130th anniversary of her death. On opening night, October 24th, the museum will host author of the book, When We Spoke to the Dead, Ilise S. Carter, who will discuss ‘the forgotten roots of today’s obsession with manifestation, mysticism, and the power of belief.’ The museum will also host a mask-making workshop on October 4^th.  

“Discovering that Rebecca went to see a spiritualist in Philadelphia with her son William in June of 1854 was the spark that led us to creating this exhibit,” said John Whitenight, Director of the Grundy Museum. “We are thrilled to share this facet of the Grundy family history and explore how spiritualism became a crucial platform for the early women’s rights movement.” 

In addition to the Museum exhibition, the Grundy Library will host several Halloween-themed events including a movie and craft night, an author-talk event with author Chuck Wendig, and the Books and Brews book club, among several others. “Collaborating with John and the museum staff on Halloween programming allows us to continue to expand our reach, inspire curiosity, and celebrate creativity and imagination,” says Megan Marks, Director of the Grundy Library.  

Opening Night tickets at the Grundy Museum are available at $25.00 per person, proceeds from which will support the museum’s education programs. Free walk-through tour days and times from October 25 through November 1 are listed at Grundy Museum website. All other programs are free.