Hamptons-Based Historical Museum Exploring A Darker Side Of The East End For Halloween

This Halloween season, discover the Hamptons’ spooky side by embarking on one of the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum’s walking tours, led by Annette Hinkle and Tony Garro.

“Tony and I started telling tales of haunted Sag Harbor 10 years ago or more,” said Hinkle. “At first, many of the stories we came across had an ‘urban legend’ feel about them and there were no sources to corroborate the details. But as we continued to give the tour over the years, more stories started coming our way… first hand stories.”

The frightful excursions will begin on Friday, October 28th with “Spirits of Sag Harbor” – a ‘Haunted’ Walking Tour of the Village. Starting at 6 p.m., Hinkle and Garro will take dauntless attendees on an eerie exploration that will visit several ghostly locales where encounters with the other side have been reported. “Spirits of Sag Harbor” will last approximately two hours and is recommended for ages 12 and older. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $25 per person.

“On more than one occasion, somebody on the tour would have something to add about their own experience at the site,” she noted. “Pretty soon, we were relying much more on firsthand accounts and much less on old tales.”

And you may not think of some of the popular Sag Harbor spots in the same way after the tour. “In addition to several private homes, among our stories are tales from Murph’s Tavern, The American Hotel, the Old Whalers’ Church and the John Jermain Memorial Library,” Hinkle said.

On Sunday, October 30th, the Museum will present “History Unearthed” – a Walking Tour of the Old Burying Ground. From 2 to 3:30 p.m., Garro and participants will journey through the Old Burying Ground, the Village’s original municipal burial site, which opened in 1767 and had its last burial in 1871. Along with covering the burying ground, Garro will speak about Revolutionary and historical figures that were buried there. Attendees should meet at the entrance to the Old Burying Ground on Union Street, next to the Old Whalers’ Church. Admission is $15 per person.

The seasonal outings are an interesting way to learn more about local history – whether you believe in spirits or not. “What’s great about this tour is that it’s really along the lines of folk lore. We aren’t saying that ghosts do or do not exist,” said Hinkle. “We’re just sharing the stories of what we’ve been told.”

What you take away from the intriguing East End occurrences is always up for discussion. “As Tony likes to say… ‘We report… you decide,'” she explained.

There is limited space in both tours and advanced registration is required. All proceeds will support the Museum’s Capital Campaign for restoration.

For more information call 631-725-0770 or visit www.sagharborwhalingmuseum.org.