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Presented by Historic Smithfield at Bull & Bones

Step into the eerie and evocative corners of our cultural past during an evening unlike any other. This intimate lecture event invites mature audiences to explore the haunting beauty of post-mortem photography and the strange evolution of Halloween through the lens of folklore, ritual, and remembrance.

Historian Rebecca LeMert will open the evening with “Weird Old Figures and a New Twist: Cultural Functions of Halloween at the Turn of the 20th Century.” Her talk traces Halloween’s transformation from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain into the uniquely American celebration we know today — a journey shaped by immigration, reinvention, and the enduring allure of the supernatural.

Later, Michael Hudson, Executive Director of Historic Smithfield, will guide us through the unsettling yet poignant world of Victorian-era mourning in a presentation focused on post-mortem photography. Through powerful images and cultural context, Hudson reveals how grief, memory, and technology intersected in this intimate and often misunderstood practice.

This is a ticketed event and guests will enjoy a complimentary selection of appetizers included with their ticket. Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase from Bull & Bones throughout the evening. Come for the history, stay for the community, conversation, and a spirited night in a uniquely atmospheric setting.

Please note: This event contains mature themes related to death, mourning traditions, and historical folklore. It is best suited for adult audiences.

All proceeds benefit Historic Smithfield and its educational programming.