The Hammond Castle Museum has welcomed visitors to its grounds for a century to explore its history, architecture, and special events. But when October arrives, the Halloween activities bring a new atmosphere to the castle’s deep-rooted history.
Built between 1926 and 1929 by inventor John Hays Hammond Jr., the castle was designed from the beginning to serve as a museum. Visitors can tour its exhibits, Hammond’s collections, and several areas of the castle, including the Great Hall, which was designed to house Hammond’s 8,000-pipe organ.
“We’re now a vibrant and dynamic museum that offers daily tours, programs, and specialty events to raise funds for the ongoing preservation of the museum,” said Mary Goldberg, the senior director of marketing and communications.
The Spooky Season
October is one of the museum’s busiest seasons, Goldberg said, with programming ranging from Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight to trick-or-treating and the Goblin King Ball, which will happen on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31.
Another seasonal highlight is Costumes & Candlelight: Hammond Castle Museum After Dark, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 10 p.m., with last admission at 9 p.m. Goldberg said this self-guided experience invites guests to dress up and explore the candlelit courtyard and castle at their own pace.
Trick or Treat at the Castle returns for its eighth season. It is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. Goldberg said it allows younger visitors a chance to celebrate in a historic setting.
Trick or Treat at the Castle returns for its eighth season. It is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. Goldberg said it allows younger visitors a chance to celebrate in a historic setting.
Caleb McMurphy, the director of Visitor Services and Education, said the Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight are among the most popular seasonal activities. These 55-minute guided tours explore the history of the spiritualist movement, the castle’s past, and important figures.
One of the figures featured is Irene Hammond, John Hays Hammond Jr.’s wife. McMurphy described her as an interesting woman, noting her astrological writings, which she published under a mysterious pen name. The tours allow visitors to learn more about Irene’s interests and the historical context surrounding spiritualism.
When October arrives, McMurphy said the month brings a new focus to the museum. He said it helps better highlight the museum’s archives through a different lens.
“There is a way to talk about topics people are interested in while still honoring our archives, “ McMurphy said.
That approach extended to the museum’s temporary exhibitions. In September, the museum opened “Brave Too Much,” which chronicles the life of Colonel John Coffee Hays, John Hammond’s paternal great-uncle. McMurphy said the staff collaborated with the Texas Ranger Museum on geography and research.
Although Halloween activities draw particular attention in October, the museum’s permanent collection remains central to the visitor experience. Goldberg highlighted that visitors can see displays of Hammond’s inventions and scientific achievements.
Education, visitors, and boosting local business
Beyond its exhibitions, guided tours, and public programs, Goldberg said the museum supports educational opportunities through internship programs for college students earning academic credit.
“Hammond always intended for his home to be a museum,” said Goldberg.
According to Goldberg, this mission has helped make the castle an important destination for Gloucester. Goldberg said the museum issued approximately 93,000 admission tickets last year.
“In some ways, we are an introduction to Gloucester for many visitors,” Goldberg said. “Our visitors go on to dine and shop all around Cape Ann, driving tourism and economic growth.”
From candlelight tours to family Halloween festivities, Hammond Castle Museum combines history with seasonal entertainment.
Hammond Castle Museum is located at 80 Hesperus Ave. in Gloucester. Daytime tours run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with the last entrance at 2:45 p.m. Visitors arriving by car must reserve tickets in advance because parking is limited. Walk-in tickets may be available at the museum shop, but it’s recommended that purchases be made online.
Other Halloween Happenings
Wobblin Goblin Festival
Manchester's annual Wobblin Goblin Festival brings costumed kids and families downtown for a Halloween parade filled with treats and seasonal fun. Starting at Town Hall, the parade winds down Union and Beach Streets, ending at Masconomo Park for hayrides, pumpkin decorating, face painting, storytelling, live music, cider donuts, and a petting zoo.
Saturday, October 24, 10–11:30 a.m. (photo booth opens at 9:30 a.m.)
Manchester Town Hall to Masconomo Park
manchester.ma.us
Halloween on the Hill
See Long Hill in Beverly transformed as an enchanting woodland hides an eerie graveyard, haunted pirate ship, stylish scarecrows, and thousands of hand-carved glowing jack-o’-lanterns. The larger-than-life seasonal displays and family-friendly frights — expanding and evolving every year — are perfect for all ages.
October 1–30, Wednesdays – Sundays from 5:30-8/8:30 p.m. (extra day available on Tuesday, October 27).
Long Hill
576 Essex Street, Beverly
thetrustees.org/program/halloween
Correction: An article in last week's Cricket about Halloween events at Hammond Castle Museum incorrectly reported extended evening tour hours on October 22 and 29. Those tours had been canceled. The article also misstated the number of pipes in the castle's organ (8,000, not 4,000), the duration of the Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight (55 minutes, not 60), and the closing time for the October 27 Costumes & Candlelight event (10 p.m., with last admission at 9 p.m.). We regret the errors.
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