Hayward Area Historical Society
Autumn is the season for longer nights and mysterious stories, and nothing is spookier than when the stories are rooted in the truth.
The Hayward Area Historical Society is bringing nighttime tours back to McConaghy House and Meek Mansion just in time for spooky season.
Beyond the Veil tours at McConaghy House will be available this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22 and 23. And tours at Meek Mansion are available on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29 and 30.
The tours combine history, storytelling and thrills. These tours are not the usual haunted house packed with jump scares and flashing lights.
A ghostly tour guide will escort brave souls through these reportedly haunted Victorian mansions to hear of tragic tales, death and mourning traditions, spiritualism, divination, and more.
Those who are interested in paranormal investigations at the houses will be happy to hear that there will be a ghost hunt following the Saturday tour for an additional cost. Paranormal docents will take over and guests will have an opportunity to investigate alongside seasoned ghost hunters.
McConaghy House is a fully-furnished Victorian house museum next to Kennedy Park at 18701 Hesperian Blvd. in Hayward. Meek Mansion is a stately Italianate style house inside Meek Estate Park, 17365 Boston Road in Cherryland.
The houses are rarely open at night, so this is an unusual opportunity to experience both houses in near complete darkness.
Tickets are $25 for the tour only, and $75 for the tour and investigation. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as no tickets will be available at the door. Saturday ticket priority will be given to those interested in both the tour and investigation.
More information about Beyond the Veil tours is available online at www.haywardareahistory.org or by calling 510-581-0223.
