This October, Gloucester’s Hammond Castle Museum presents a special program based on original ghost stories written by Hammond himself.
The event “The Terror of Abbadia Mare: Inspired by the Pen of John Hays Hammond Jr.” runs four evenings from Oct. 21-25 with the exception of Oct. 24.
John Hays Hammond Jr. (1888-1965) was known for his eccentricities as well as his prolific inventions, many of which were classified by the government as top secret. Abbadia Mare, meaning abbey by the sea, is what Hammond called his home.
“Within the medieval walls of Hammond’s castle home, secrets and curiosities await,” according to an event description. “As you travel through the castle’s darkened corridors and rooms, you’ll encounter some of the most peculiar guests ever assembled. Are they members of a secret society, social and Hollywood royalty, or leaders straddling the boundaries of science and the occult? These mysterious figures have converged at Hammond Castle for a reason, and you’re about to find out why.”
Starting at the drawbridge, the performance will move from room to room where visitors will meet an array of characters, including Hammond’s loyal butler and his glamorous wife, Irene, and all will have a tale to tell.
“Hammond’s writing style, reminiscent of the 1920s “Weird Tales” and the 1950s pulp fiction offers a unique blend of supernatural intrigue and kitschy charm,” according to the description.
Performances, which run just under an hour, are limited to groups of 15 at a time. Each story is approximately eight to 10 minutes long. Roaring 1920s and similar attire are encouraged.
There will be at least a couple of familiar faces in the cast. Gloucester’s Jim Tarantino will playa sailor and Cape Ann’s Alison Landoni a mason. In other roles will be Anthony Lentz as John Hays Hammond Jr., Shari Chaplin as Mrs. Irene Hammond, Lauren Casey as a reporter, and Michael Greene as Hillman the butler.
“While our primary focus is preserving and promoting our founder’s legacy through STEAM-based, original content inspired by his work, we also recognize the value of fun, creative programming like this themed Halloween performance. It allows us to engage with our audience in different ways while still staying true to our mission,” museum Executive Director Linda Harvey said.
All proceeds support the restoration and preservation of the museum.
Two other Halloween-related events are at the castle this month:
— This is the sixth season of “Trick-or-Treat at Hammond Castle Museum,” set for Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 3:30-6 p.m. with timed admission.This adventure takes young ghosts and goblins across a real drawbridge, through winding corridors and into the Great Hall where there are multiple stations, spooky music and crafts. Children are free, and teens and adults are $10. For tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/HCMTrickOrTreat.
— On Halloween, there is “Costumes & Candlelight: Hammond Castle Museum After Dark” from 6-10 p.m. with the last entrance at 9 p.m. Visitors can step away from crowds for a Halloween out with friends at Hammond Castle Museum after dark. Visitors can come dressed in their favorite Halloween costume to explore the halls of Hammond’s castle, and the very rooms where legends of the inventor’s ghost ships were born. Visitors can also search for hidden ravens along the way. Candles will cast shadows and fog will fill the courtyard to create the ideal backdrop for Halloween photos. The program is not intended for younger than under 13. For details, visit https://bit.ly/HCMCostumesCandles.
Gail McCarthy may be contacted at 978-675-2706, or gmccarthy@northofboston.com.