The spirits of Fredericksburg’s past will once again roam the city streets next weekend during the 33rd annual Ghostwalk, sponsored by UMW’s Historic Preservation Club. The 45-minute educational experience begins every 10 minutes at the James Monroe Museum on Charles Street. Tickets are required.
UMW student volunteers claim the roles of once-predominant Fredericksburg figures, including Hugh Mercer, Fielding Lewis, Mary Washington and Clara Barton, as the educational tours creep through town, visiting some of its most notoriously haunted sites.
Waiting to lure in guests this year are:
- Fredericksburg Area Museum
- Historic Kenmore Plantation
- Mary Washington House
- The Wheeler House
- Hugh Mercer Apothecary
- George’s Episcopal Church
- Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg
- Old Masonic Cemetery
“It’s so fun to see how the audience reacts and interacts with the actors, who always amaze me at how good they are,” said Ghostwalk Chair Ilana Bleich. “It’s nice to see everyone in the club work together toward a common goal.”
Tours start at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21 with the last tour leaving at 10 p.m. on both dates. Tickets, available in advance or on the day of the event, cost $6 for adults; $4 for UMW faculty, students and alumni; and $3 for ages 6 to 12. Children under 6 are admitted free. For more information, email umwghostwalk@gmail.com or call 540-654-1315.
