Capitol Hauntings tours 2017

creepy state capitol

The very popular Capitol Hauntings tours at the New York State Capitol return Monday, October 2 and run through Halloween. Registration is now open. The tours are free. And they will fill up.

Tour blurbage:

This special tour, which explores the legends, folklore, and "ghost stories" connected to the historic state Capitol, begins on Monday, October 2. In tales that mix history with the macabre, tour guides will tell shocking stories about the night watchman who died in the Capitol fire of 1911 and still makes his rounds today and the two United States presidents who visited the Capitol after they died. Find out where the Assembly Chamber's "lost" murals are located and what happened to the tormented artist who created them. Walking among the gargoyle-like carvings and strange carved faces, visitors will discover the location of the Capitol's "secret demon" and evidence of a curse the demon may hold on the Capitol will be revealed, along with other dark secrets.

The tours are offered Monday-Friday at 1 pm and 5:30 pm. Also this year, there are Saturday tours at noon. In years past the 5:30 pm tours have filled quickly. And we're guessing those Saturday tours might book up even faster.

So, if you're interested in going on one of the tours, do not wait to sign up. You can register online or via phone: 518-474-2418.

image: NYS Office of General Services

Comments

Does anyone know if these are scary? I have an 8 year old who is interested in ghosts and also history. The description on the OGS doesn't really say whether it's suitable for children.

Does anyone know how long these tours last/time? I would love to bring my architecture class.

Former Capitol Guide here!

It's not a haunted house tour. People won't jump out or grab you because, of course, it's a public building. But the stories themselves can be scary because they happened to real people.

My niece was 7 or 8 when I started the tour and she loved it. She came every year and can now recite a lot of the stories herself. She also loves history.

But I've had 12 year olds terrified and the mere mention of a ghost can give them nightmares.

I'd say it's safe to give it a go, especially if they love history. It's a free tour and the guides completely understand if you and your child have to sneak off a bit early if the stories are too scary. But, in my experience, the history-loving 8 year olds got a lot of out of the tour.

Thanks Maeve! I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

I've booked on a tour and am going to give it a go!

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