Contact:
Jenny Smith, Pita Communications
(860) 293-0157, ext. 15; jenny@pitacomm.com
DISCOVER THE “SPIRIT” OF HALLOWEEN
IN HISTORIC WETHERSFIELD
Haunted happenings include encounters with the
ghosts of Wethersfield’s past
WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (October 17, 2008) – In Historic Wethersfield, the past is coming back to haunt visitors this Halloween! Put on your brave face and get ready for encounters with the “spirits” of the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum’s former inhabitants.
Spirits of Old Wethersfield House Tours
Step back in time and meet the “ghosts” of former residents of the Joseph Webb, Silas Deane and Isaac Stevens homes. During the guided candlelight tour of the three homes, visitors will learn about 19th-century mourning customs as a family attempts to cope with the loss of a loved one; meet Silas Deane as he squabbles with his servants; and meet some of the women who influenced the Joseph Webb House’s history. Keep your eyes and ears open as you tour the homes. Rumor has it they might actually be haunted!
When: Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, 211 Main St., Wethersfield, CT 06109
Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for children (not recommended for children under 10) and museum members. Reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased
beginning September 15 at the museum or by calling (860) 529-0612, ext. 12.
The Actor Behind the “Ghost” of Silas Deane
I’ll bet you never thought that you would be able to meet with one of the most influential historical figures of the past. This Halloween, you will when Silas Deane is brought to life by Actor Sal Carmasino. Sal has participated in historical re-enactments for the last 38 years. He participates in about 15-20 events each year, during both the times of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. His first involvement was initially sparked by the 200th anniversary of the Boston Massacre, and a few days later, Sal joined the “Action Minutemen,” a military re-enactment group from Massachussetts. He has also done historical roles on television. He has appeared in the WGBH history series “They made America” and “American Experience.”
About the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
Located in the heart of Connecticut’s largest historic district, the museum, which consists of three authentically restored 18th-century homes, brings Wethersfield’s rich history to life, from the American Revolution to the early 20th century. The museum includes the 1752 Joseph Webb House, which served as George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters in May 1781, when he met with French General le Comte de Rochambeau; the 1766 Silas Deane House, built for America’s first diplomat to France; and the 1788 Isaac Stevens House, which depicts life in the 18th and 19th centuries through original family objects and includes a new children’s museum.
The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, located at 211 Main St., Wethersfield, is open daily – with the exception of Tuesday – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May through October, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 1 through April 30. Three-house tours cost $8 for adults and $4 for students and children ages 5 to 18. For information about current exhibits, upcoming events or Museum School classes, call (860) 529-0612 or visit www.webb-deane-stevens.org.
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