Rafuse, along with staff and volunteers are in the beginning stages of planning for the second “Night of the Unliving Museum” for Halloween, an event so successful last year they just had to expand it.
Rafuse says they are starting the planning process now, because the event will take in the entire property. A big event like this, she says, can’t wait until the last minute to prepare for.
Last year, for those who dared venture in, patrons found themselves walking through darkened corridors of the museum and encountering vague apparitions. It was a successful two evenings, but not one that children could take part in because of the scares.
There were those that asked if something could be done about that though, says Rafuse, and the museum staff has busily been creating a show for both young and old.
Called Big Boo and Little Boo, for adults and children respectively, the museum is doing two shows during the day. On Saturday, Oct. 29 Little Boo will go from 3-5 p.m., up to age 10, while Big boo will go from 7-10 p.m.
Rafuse says she doesn’t want to give anything away, but says this year the show will take in the entire property.
“As soon as you enter the museum from the driveway, it will start,” she says.
A few new ideas are coming to the museum courtesy of Carla Powell, who has a background working in a mining museum in Alberta. She put on similar events at the museum, which were also used as a fundraiser. Rafuse says she and others are excited to have her on board, and will be incorporating her knowledge into their own event.
Patrons will enter from the driveway and exit at Perkins House gate. Other than that though she won’t say, except to add people should be prepared for frights.
“What happens to you in between there, who knows?” Rafuse laughs.
This year by popular demand the Halloween school program is coming back. Last year they decided to forgo the annual program, which is similar to the Christmas program, to plan for the Night of the Unliving. However several teachers have approached Rafuse, asking to bring it back.
“We knew we had to get that back again,” she said.
To put on such a big event though will take volunteers says Rafuse, and they need to get things in place well before October.
Anyone interested in helping out with the event can contact the Queens County Museum at 354-4058.
