Spooky Season: Heinz History Center unveils Halloween programs
The Senator John Heinz History Center and Fort Pitt Museum will offer a haunting lineup of Halloween-inspired programs throughout October.
From macabre tales of Pittsburgh’s past to Halloween trivia and family-friendly festivities, visitors can discover the spooky side of history all month long.
Speaker Saturday: Braddock’s Defeat
Oct. 10, 1 p.m., Fort Pitt Museum
The peculiar phenomenon of battlefield macabre tourism can be discovered through the story of British Gen. Edward Braddock’s defeat at the Battle of the Monongahela in 1755. Lukas Smith, living history coordinator at Fort Pitt Museum, will examine how the remains of British soldiers left improperly buried after the battle attracted curious visitors for decades, turning the battlefield into an unusual destination for those drawn to its grisly past.
Little Historians Storytime: Halloween
Oct. 15, 10:15 a.m., the Senator John Heinz History Center
Tiny witches and wizards will be invited to get into the Halloween spirit at Little Historians Storytime. Spell-binding tales, sweet treats, and spooky crafts designed especially for little learners will be available. Costumes are encouraged.
Haunted History: What Happened in Your House?
Oct. 22 • 6 p.m., the Senator John Heinz History Center
Local historians Hollen Barmer and Miranda Crostley will show participants how to uncover the history of their house during a special program in the Heinz History Center’s Detre Library and Archives. Using historic maps, property records, newspapers, and more, attendees will learn how to investigate past residents, mysterious details, and the stories hidden within their homes.
Haunted History Center Halloween
Oct. 25, 10 a.m., Senator John Heinz History Center
Families can celebrate Halloween with a day of tricks, treats, and frightful fun throughout all six floors of the Heinz History Center. Haunted History Center Halloween will feature a Spooky Slime Lab with the Steel City Ghostbusters, complimentary sweet treats from Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, a haunted scavenger hunt, a Monster Mash dance party, eerie archival materials, and more. Visitors can dig in with an activity by Bethany College and learn about the beasts that once roamed the region inside the History Center’s new exhibit, “Planet Ice: Mysteries of the Ice Ages.”
Hidden History Trivia Night
Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m., the Senator John Heinz History Center
This Halloween edition of Hidden History Trivia Night will ask questions about creepy pop culture, ominous Pittsburgh tales, classic horror films, and more. Teams can compete for prizes while enjoying a cash bar and free snacks. Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. This program is for ages 21 and older.
All kids aged 17 and under receive free admission to the Heinz History Center and Fort Pitt Museum, thanks to the Kamin “Free for Kids” initiative.
For more information on October programming, visit heinzhistorycenter.org/halloween.