Oct. 23, 2009

The Michigan Historical Museum invites families to trick-or-treat through Michigan's past during "Haunted History: A Spooky Walk Through Time," from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Visitors can come in costume to enjoy spooky tales, old-fashioned Halloween games, creepy crafts and more. As they walk through the museum's galleries collecting treats, guests will have the chance to meet resident soothsayer Miss Fortune as well as characters from Michigan history like Rosie the Riveter, a 1950s housewife, a fur trader and Big Annie. Refreshments will be served in the "Spooky Speakeasy," and everyone will receive a special Halloween goodie bag.

Paranormal investigators Krag and Carole Ryal will give a presentation about their techniques and unusual discoveries at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Chris Harper of the Magicians Guild of Lansing Ring 54 also will be on hand to amaze and amuse visitors with a magical look at the history of Halloween. Amy and Jeffrey from Party Pleasers will entertain guests with their balloon-twisting creations.

Tickets for Haunted History are $5 per person (children 3 years or younger are free) and may be purchased at the Michigan Historical Museum Welcome Center in advance or on the day of the event. The Victorian spider web game costs an additional $2 per person. For more information, please call (517) 241-4060 or e-mail AverillT@michigan.gov.

Haunted History is sponsored by the Michigan Historical Museum Docent Guild, the Friends of Michigan History and the Michigan History Foundation.

The Michigan Historical Museum is located inside the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo St., two blocks west of the State Capitol in downtown Lansing. The main entrance and visitor parking are located north of Kalamazoo Street, just east of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Museum hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission and weekend parking are free. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/museum.

The Michigan Historical Museum System is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.