10 Spooktacular Events and Happenings from Trails and Sails 2021

Originally posted on Creative North Shore

Trails and Sails isn’t just history and architecture for summer lovers. Because the festival is happening on the North Shore, there’s something for those who love the nightlife, who like to Boo-gie as well. (Forgive our terrible puns).

Here are 10 Spooktacular events and happenings to check out as this year’s Trails and Sails.

Join the Crew at Endicott Burial Ground

25 Clinton Ave. Danvers, MA Saturday, September 18, 2021

You are invited to join the crew at Endicott Burial Ground! You’ll see historical gravestones being saved, some being discovered that are buried, and even ground penetrating radar in action! Learn techniques or just drop by to chat. A rare opportunity to rediscover history firsthand!

Special Instructions: Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes for the short hike to the site. Long pants for potential poison ivy. Bring gloves and bug spray. Masks requested.

Rediscovering History Inc was started by Michael Carroll, an historical researcher for 16 years with passion for history. Together, with Lisa Bargmann and Keegan Day, they conduct preservation efforts on neglected and forgotten cemeteries within the highest of standards.

Have A Spiritual Quest Weekend at Hilldale Cemetery with the Essex County Ghost Project

363 Hilldale Ave, Haverhill, MA | Friday the 17th and 24th and Saturday the 18th and 25th from 7:00pm-8:30pm.

Join the Essex county ghost project for a spooktacular evening of haunts and fun. The gates open at 6:30 pm and at 7pm we will start exploring one of New Englands most haunted sites. There have been reports of full and partial body apparitions seen all over the cemetery. So pack up your cameras, digital recorders and all other paranormal equipment for a night of intrigue and paranormal history. Please wear good walking shoes.

Special Instructions: Please wear proper shoes no open toe shoes please

Enjoy a self-guided stroll through beautiful Oak Hill Cemetery (1842) amongst majestic 200-year-old Oak trees

4 Brown St, Newburyport, MA 01950 | Daily from 9:00 am-5:00pm

Self-guided tour created by Ghlee E. Woodworth, local historian and the creator of the Newburyport Clipper Heritage Trail (www.clipperheritagetrail.com) and published in book form 2020. Enjoy a self-guided stroll through beautiful Oak Hill Cemetery (1842) amongst majestic 200-year-old Oak trees. Gravesites will be labeled – ministers, benefactors, sea captains including Francis B. Todd who was buried in a rum barrel, artists, and the site of Anna Jaques, the benefactor of our local hospital. There’s history in every footstep you take!

Special Instructions: Parking on State and Brown Streets

West Parish Garden Cemetery Tour

West Parish Garden Cemetery and Chapel – 129 Reservation Road, Andover MA 01810 | Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am

West Parish Garden Cemetery offers a tour of our historic and beautifully landscaped grounds. Included is a visit to their renowned 1909 Romanesque style chapel with original Tiffany stained glass windows. Visit the ponds and pick hydrangeas at the end of the tour as a memento for your home (free).

Special Instructions: Tour begins at the arched entrance gate to the cemetery on Reservation Road. Parts of the tour are wheelchair accessible. The walk and terrain is suitable for all ages – grass, blacktop, some cobblestone areas, and one grassy hill. No dogs please. We will be following September state COVID guidelines for masking and social distancing. Tour begins promptly at 10am. Attendees are welcome to arrive and depart when they would like.

Peek Inside the Daniels House

The Daniels House | 1 Daniels St, Salem, MA 01970 | Open Daily (hours vary)

Built by a shipwright and captain in 1667, the Stephen Daniels House offers a rare look inside a 17th century mansion built when Salem was on the frontier of New England. You’ll get an intimate look at original details from the Witch Trials, American Revolution and beyond. These walls have seen it all. The Daniels House is not a museum nor a reproduction; it’s an original home representing over 350 years of daily life.

Special Instructions: Please arrive 5 minutes early at the red front door of 1 Daniels St Tours will start on the hour between 12:00-3:00 pm everyday. Advanced purchase of tickets highly recommended. Walk-ups can be accommodated if space allows.

Reservations: danielshousesalem.com/tours and Use the Code: “Trailsandsails2021” to get in for free. Ticket proceeds go toward preservation of the House.

Bury Stones at the Parish Church Burial Ground Workshop

First Parish Church, 20 High Road, Newbury, MA 01951 | Saturday, September 18, 2021 @ 12:00pm

Join First Parish Church for a workshop restoring/cleaning burying stones in this historic New England cemetery – one of the top 5 oldest cemeteries in the State. Non-toxic material will be used and you will be amazed to see what a difference cleaning the stones will make. There are stones in the cemetery dating back to the 1660s!

RESERVATIONS: This event is limited to 10 participants so please call if you plan to attend – 978-265-0977

Take a Candlelit Tour with Crime & Urban Legends of Lawrence (Fact or Fiction)

Lawrence Civil War Memorial Guard 200 Common St, Lawrence, MA 01840 | Saturday, September 18, 2021 @ 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Like adventure? Join in on a thrill seeking historic candlelight tour of Lawrence. You’ll be escorted by the Civil War Color Guard hosting the tour while listening to legends of an early curse, a Druid sacrifice, whispers of confederate spies, 99 ghosts at City Hall, hidden passages, an attempt on a City Official’s life, a moving rock of the Knights Templar, & anarchists in this City. What happened to & in the bathrooms under the Common? Did the Commander of Andersonville Prison reside in this City? Come decide for yourself which is fact or false

Special Instructions: Umbrella/rain gear Best for ages 10 & up. Tour will start on the hour

Reservations: Redtears17@aol.com or 978-609-3191

Hear Haunted Tales from the Garrison House

Virtual Event | Sunday, September 19, 2021 @ 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Listen to local paranormal expert and founder of Essex County Ghost Project as he tells haunted tales of old folklore and the paranormal. This event will be live on the paranormal and beyond Facebook page.

Special Instructions: Please remember to friend the Facebook page paranormal and beyond

Join in on the Haunted Happenings in Essex County Community Conversation

Lawrence Community Access Television 468 Essex Street, Lawrence, MA 01840 | Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Attendees will join together at Lawrence Community Access Televisions Studio to sit in on a live talk show. Host, Tom Spitalere, will discuss haunted happenings that have taken place in Essex County. Following the live show, guests will hear about the history of LCAT, and have the opportunity to network with the LCAT team.