Halloween is going to look a little different after you explore some of Salem’s spooky past.   Spooky Stories from Salem History is a collection of eerie stories and pen pictures for enjoying as a walking or driving tour or listening to by a fire.  These aren’t your average ghost stories.  Each story connects to a real-life event or place in Salem’s history or was written by a Salem author.  They are brought to life in dramatic fashion by some of the museum’s wonderful volunteers! 

How it works 

You purchase a $15.00 booklet either online or in person at the museum store (1313 Mill St SE — hours of operation Tues – Saturday 10 am – 4pm).   Your booklet contains a tour map, photographs and background information on 10 historical places in Salem with spooky connections.  It also contains download instructions for an old-time radio show that will share the scary stories with you in a more dramatic fashion.  Download the audio files and choose how and when you want to tour – in the comfort of your car, bundled up on a stroll, or cozied up with your favorite blanket.  The best part?  You are supporting local preservation and heritage programs in the process! 

What You’ll Hear 

Travel back to an 1886 séance at the Reed Opera House or hear a firsthand account of a gruesome hanging near Pringle Park.  Relive the night it rained fire as the Oregon State Capitol burned to the ground and the humorous tale of one policeman’s tangle with a dusty ghost on the corner of State and Church Streets.  Have some Halloween fun and learn a bit more about our community history, too! 

Your purchase supports the preservation and education programs of the Willamette Heritage Center, especially during this tough time!  Thank you!