Old Fort Niagara celebrates All Hallows' Eve with family-friendly stories & traditions

Event explores origins of Halloween through storytelling, folklore, history

Old Fort Niagara Press Release

Old Fort Niagara invites visitors of all ages to celebrate the spirit of the season during its All Hallows’ Eve event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. The family-friendly program explores how people of the past observed All Hallows’ Eve – now known as Halloween – through stories, legends, and historical traditions.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a variety of engaging presentations and activities that connect autumn folklore to the region’s rich history. Program highlights include:

•“What is All Hallows’ Eve?” – Learn about the origins and meaning of this centuries-old observance.

•“The Story of the Well – How Myth Becomes Legend” – Discover how local folklore takes shape over time.

•“The History of the Jack O’ Lantern” – Trace the evolution of this classic Halloween symbol from Ireland to America.

•“Spooky Stories from the Old Fort Niagara Archives” – Hear tales drawn from the Fort’s own eerie past.

•Post cemetery tour (noon) – Take a guided walk through one of the Fort’s most historic resting places.

“We wanted to design a program that’s welcoming and engaging for all ages,” said Robert Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara. “All Hallows’ Eve gives families an opportunity to experience the Fort’s atmosphere in a new way – one that highlights the history behind the season. It’s exciting to explore how people in earlier centuries observed autumn and All Hallows’ Eve, and to see how those traditions have evolved into the celebrations we know today.”

The program is included with regular admission to Old Fort Niagara and is suitable for visitors of all ages. The Fort’s museum and exhibits will also be open throughout the day.

Old Fort Niagara is located at 102 Morrow Plaza, Youngstown. For more information, visit www.oldfortniagara.org or call 716-745-7611.