Look beyond the usual pumpkin patches and corn mazes this October. The North Fork’s local historical societies and museums are offering a variety of events that bring the area’s storied past to life with a spooky twist. From dramatic graveyard tours to lighthouse cruises, we’ve got the must-see historical — and hauntingly intriguing — experiences to explore on the North Fork this fall.
Relive history with theatrical graveyard tours
For one weekend only, North Fork Community Theatre (12700 Old Sound Ave., Mattituck) is partnering with local historical societies to offer theatrical tours of two historical graveyard sites. Actors decked out in Victorian-era attire re-enact true stories of notable figures buried at the site.
On Saturday, Oct. 5, the NFCT, in collaboration with Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society and the Mattituck Presbyterian Church Graveyard Restoration Committee, will host a tour of the graveyard at Mattituck Presbyterian Church (12605 Main Road, Mattituck). Actors will recount captivating tales of those interred there, including the chilling story of members of the Wickham family, who were murdered in 1854. The rain date for this tour is Oct. 26.
On Sunday, Oct. 6, the NFCT will partner with the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council to present a tour of the Old Cutchogue Burying Ground (32770 Main Road, Cutchogue). Learn the histories of several individuals laid to rest at the site, including a French and Indian War veteran, an exiled Tory, and a cherished local schoolteacher. The rain date for this tour is Oct. 27.
Tours begin at 2 p.m. and run until 4, with groups of 20 taking the tour every 10 minutes. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance at nfct.com or by calling 631-298-NFCT (6328). Proceeds benefit hosting organizations.
Set sail on a spooky cruise to the historic Bug Light
On Saturdays through the end of October, the East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation (100 Third St., Greenport) hosts family-friendly, Halloween cruises to Long Beach Bar Lighthouse, commonly known as “Bug Light.” These cruises blend local maritime history with ghostly tales of Brownie, Bug Light’s famed ghost dog. Explore the lighthouse (originally built in 1870 and restored in the 1990s after arson destroyed it in 1963), hear stories of Brownie’s loyal companionship with 1930s lighthouse keeper William H. Follett and enjoy costume contests and other festive fun. Tours run from 5 to 7 p.m. Participants are asked to arrive at the museum by 4:30 p.m. For bookings and more information, visit eastendseaport.org.
Learn about New York’s Witch-Fearing Past in Cutchogue
On Friday, Oct. 25, at 4:30 p.m., experience a special sunset tour of the Old House of Cutchogue (355 Cases Lane, Cutchogue), and its superstitious history. Built in the 17th century by John Budd, this English-style Colonial house is said to be one of the oldest in the state. The tour will highlight the house’s counter-magic features, including its preserved collection of poppets — twig and linen dolls found within the walls during its restoration, believed to have been used to protect against witchcraft. After the tour, there’s a book talk and signing with Scott R. Ferrara, author of “Accused of Witchcraft in New York.” For more information, visit cutchoguenewsuffolkhistory.org.
Discover Long Island’s haunted mysteries at Hallockville Museum Farm
On Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 6:30 p.m., Hallockville Museum Farm (6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead) will host award-winning author and historian Kerriann Flanagan Brosky alongside medium and paranormal investigator Joe Giaquinto, who will delve into the investigations in Flanagan Brosky’s book, “Haunted Long Island Mysteries.” Learn about the supernatural locations they’ve explored and experience their field investigations through electronic voice phenomenon and “ghost box” recordings.
After the presentation, there will be a signing and books will be available for purchase. For more information, visit kerriannflanaganbrosky.com.
