The History of Halloween: Folklore & Customs

Have you ever wondered why we carve pumpkins or wear costumes on Halloween? Attend the Driftless Historium’s October Half-Hour History lecture on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. to discover the origins of many beloved Halloween traditions. Presented by author Chad Lewis, “The History of Halloween: Folklore & Customs” delves into the roots of this spooky holiday from trick-or-treating, scarecrows, and jack- o'-lanterns, to the folklore of bats, witches, and everything that lurks in the darkness. No registration is necessary for this event.

Chad Lewis is an author, researcher, and lecturer on topics of the strange and unusual. Lewis has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology and has authored over 35 books on the weird and supernatural including, The Wisconsin Guide to Haunted Places, Hidden Headlines of Wisconsin, and the soon to be released Supernatural Lake Michigan. He has traveled the globe researching unique and bizarre stories and history; lecturing extensively on his fascinating findings. The more bizarre the legend, the more likely it is that you will find Chad there.

Half-Hour History is a once-a-month midday speaker series featuring engaging presentations on local and regional history. Generously supported by a grant from the Mount Horeb Community Foundation, these FREE programs are open to all on the third Wednesday of each month. Up next, “The Intersection of Oral Traditions & Written History” presented by Ho-Chunk Deer Clan tribal member William Nąąwącekǧize Quackenbush on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. For more information call 608-437-6486, visit http://mthorebhistory.org/events or email [email protected] mailto:[email protected] .

Founded in 1975, the Mount Horeb Area Historical Society operates the Driftless Historium and works to collect, preserve, and share the stories of southwestern Dane County.