Guest post by Karen Paola Carpenter
2024 marks the 21st Annual Georgetown Haunted History Tour (tickets on sale now). For all the repeat guests, ghosts, and guides, you know what a thrill it is to see neighbors bringing history to life. I know I’ll never forget listening to a guide explain that the concrete where we stood was the Duwamish River’s path before it was straightened by settlers. It spurred in me a deeper understanding of our responsibility to the original stewards of this land, including paying real rent to the Tribe.
La Dele Sines is the founder of the tour and longtime producer at the helm again this year. She says the tour has always been about talking with your neighbors, sharing stories and nurturing people’s talents. In the early aughts, six like-minded individuals, propelled by their success in preserving the iconic Hat 'n' Boots, asked themselves what they could do to continue preserving the history and culture of Georgetown. They talked to elders in the neighborhood and heard about several homes with ghost stories. Instead of writing a book, putting on a museum exhibit, or making a website, the group decided to walk around and take turns sharing stories with their neighbors in October.
By the third year, they started incorporating scenes where local theater kids, performers, travel industry folks, and historians became ghosts telling their own stories. The tour is now backed by the historical society, Friends of Georgetown History.
Brian Kennon, a musician and returning ghost actor, says the tour’s constant evolution is what makes the experience so great to be a part of and to witness. He has previously interpreted Mayor Mueller and Banker Horton. Guides are encouraged to adapt to their audiences’ interests, keeping in mind that people won’t remember a deluge of facts, but might remember the hook of a catchy song.
This year, guests will be invited to Bloom Bistro. Today, it’s a spot for freshly baked bagels and sandwiches, but did you know it used to be a saloon with a hotel on the top floor? See you on the tour the first weekend of October!
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