If you want to hear some great ghost stories and learn more about Tusculum University’s history, an upcoming event on campus will provide you with both in abundance courtesy of students.
The English Student Organization will hold the “Tusculum Haunted Heritage Ghost Walk” at the university Friday, Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 19. The event will offer two tours starting at 7 p.m. and another two at 8:15 p.m. each night.
The tours start on the main level of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center and at Behan Arena Theatre, which is located on the lower level of that building. Concessions will be available at the end of the tours.
“This will be a fun event for the community and Tusculum family members, and we encourage everyone to join us,” said Dr. Anne Acker, associate professor of English and faculty advisor for the English Student Organization. “Our students have worked hard to create memorable tours, and we know the audience will enjoy them.”
Participants will experience a tour of campus and hear ghost stories tied to the campus buildings. Dr. Acker said the students have worked with Kathy Hipps, director of the Thomas J. Garland Library on campus to develop the stories. The stories will be tied to the university’s history.
Dr. Acker said the “Tusculum Haunted Heritage Ghost Walk” will borrow from a previous event the library used to hold around Halloween called “Haints and Boogers.” She said the student-led will event will not only provide enjoyment for those who attend but also for the Pioneers leading it as they become career-ready professionals through their Tusculum education.
“I think it’s good practice in storytelling and public speaking, and it gives students an opportunity to learn more about the campus,” Dr. Acker said. “To accomplish that involves a bit of research and question-asking on their part, so this is a worthwhile use of their time. Storytelling is an essential skill for English majors. Whatever they are going to do with their English degree, the odds are good that it’s going to involve some measure of storytelling.”
Tickets are $12 for adults and are available for purchase at https://www.onthestage.tickets/tusculum-university. Each tour is limited to 25 people. All proceeds from the event will benefit the English Student Organization.
