The First State Heritage Park is putting on its annual fall lantern tour known as “Dark Dover.”
Guests will be spooked by actors playing apparitions from Dover’s rich history of the macabre as they are led at night to historical sites on the Green. They will meet murderers, ghosts and exiled witches—all a part of true historic events in the city.
Superintendent Sarah Zimmerman says it’s meant to be fun for the whole family.
“We try to mix a little bit of humor. It’s not too dark; too scary. But there are some moments that will cause your heart rate to go up,” said Zimmerman.
There are several interesting tales of gruesome crime and superstition which took place in Dover. One Delawarean was given two funerals in the 1800s, because his ghost was haunting the Green. Also, there’s the story of 8th-century judge Samuel Chew and the murdered servant Cooch Turner.
“People may have heard of the poison candy murder: it was the first time the United States Postal Service was ever used to commit murder. A mistress in California mailed candy to her lover’s wife, and she and her sister were both killed by the poison,” said Zimmerman.
This marks the 10th year the city has put on its “Dark Dover” lantern tour. The tour begins at the John Bell House on the Green, Friday, October 20th and 27th at 7:00 and 8:30. Visit The First State Heritage Park website for more details.