HAMPTON — If you like your history with a side of spirits from another realm, the Hampton Horror Tour is for you.

The tour, which begins and ends at the Hampton History Museum, introduces the spirits of historical figures from the area’s past. This year, they are haunted by disease (primarily smallpox) as they stand trial for the ramifications of their actions while living.

Groups will be led by Judge “Fear Him” Ellis as they journey to the spirit realm and hear the spirits’ cases. Participants “serve as jurors that will decide the fate of the spirits they will encounter,” according to the news release. “Only an innocent verdict can allow these entities to shake off their torment and move on to the next realm.”

Hampton Horror Tours start Saturday and continue Oct. 29-31. Tours depart at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and last a little over an hour. Stops include the graveyard at St. John’s Church, Queens Way and the alleys of downtown Hampton.

“It is not often that you have the opportunity to learn history and be horrified all at the same time,” said Marie St. Clair, the writer and director of the tour. “It’s all the elements of a good story — something to keep you interested in the history, something visually stimulating — and you’re moving around and get to participate. You can ask questions, share thoughts.”

The diverse cast of 17 actors are all volunteers. Only two have previously participated in the program, which St. Clair retooled three years ago and continues to evolve. They rehearsed three to four nights a week, and some play multiple roles throughout the night.

“This cast is a gift,” she said. “The mix of people is so good and allows us to tell broader stories. There’s something that anyone and everyone can connect with.”

St. Clair said she works with the museum staff to determine which stories to include each year, and to maintain their historical accuracy.

“I read the history, and the interesting part that would fit in the horror tour has to jump out at me. I don’t just want a straight narrative, like the date of birth or death. This is just a glimpse of their life that is unique and has to deal with something murderous or scandalous. We focus on that as we tell those peoples’ stories,” she said. “It’s a balancing act of keeping it entertaining for the horror tour, but also keeping it historical.”

Madison Newton portrays Joan Wright in “The Witch Next Door” during the 2024 Hampton Horror Tour. Wright was the first witch accused in North America in 1626. (Courtesy/Hampton History Museum)

Staples include the murder of George Wythe and the tale of midwife Joan Wright, who was the first woman to be tried as a witch in North America in 1626. But new this year are trials for abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who served as a nurse at Fort Monroe, and British General Charles Cornwallis, who, according to the museum, will be “brought to trial for accusations that he used smallpox as a weapon as a crime against humanity.”

“There are so many elements that go into this tour that don’t go into a full production on stage,” St. Clair said. “I learn a lot as I go. It’s never boring. There is always something new to learn. … I was blown away when I did the research for this.”

In addition to introducing new spirits, the special effects and makeup are improved this year.

“We have a team of three who will do makeup this year,” St. Clair said. The team includes her daughter, co-director Candyce St. Clair. “I wanted it to be over the top. I want to take it up a level whenever I can.”

Hampton History Museum promotions director Seamus McGrann said St. Clair knows how to bring out historical information in a fun and engaging way.

“If you went on the tour last year, it’s going to be new this year,” he said. “People can vote differently every night. It all depends on interaction with the audience and the judge.”

St. Clair has written and directed several productions with the museum. Last year, they produced two sold-out shows about Virginia Christian, who was the first woman in the state to be executed by electrocution. St. Clair also produces a Juneteenth pageant, and in the spring, will present a play about Hampton University (then-Institute) students who staged a sit-in at Woolworth’s lunch counter in the 1960s.

Tickets for Hampton Horror Tours are still available, and advance purchases are recommended, as McGrann said the event typically sells out each year. Each purchase also includes a free ticket to ride the Hampton Carousel.

Proceeds support the museum’s educational programs and outreach.

“This event is key in helping us continue to take the museum outside of its walls and into the community,” McGrann said.

If you go

What: Hampton Horror Tours

When: 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Where: Hampton History Museum, 120 Old Hampton Lane, downtown Hampton. Parking is available at the garage on Settlers Landing Road.

Tickets: $16 in advance and $18 at the door for adults; $14 for children ages 8-12

Details: hamptonhistorymuseum.org

https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/10/24/hampton-horror-tours/