Harrington Park Historical Society Presents “Halloween: A Haunted History”

Join the Harrington Park Historical Society to learn about the traditions of Halloween given by Kevin Woyce, author and historian, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, 7:30 P.M. at the Harrington Park Boro Hall, 85 Harriot Avenue, Harrington Park, New Jersey. 

Have you ever wondered why, at Halloween, we carve pumpkins, dress up in costumes, or decorate our homes with skeletons and ghosts? This colorful program traces the strange history of Halloween, from Old World harvest festivals to our modern family holiday.  Along the way, Kevin will discuss the origins of the ack-o’-lantern, Orson Welles’ 1938 “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast, the first monster movies, haunted lighthouses and hotels, and much more. The hour-long slideshow is illustrated with original photographs and antique Halloween cards, advertisements, artwork, and movie posters. Costumes are optional!

Kevin is a lifetime resident of the Garden State. He grew up in East Rutherford, the eldest of 15 siblings (yes, you read that right) and he hasn’t strayed far – he still lives just a few miles from there in Lyndhurst, NJ, with his wife, Carin, and their dog. His first book, published in 2007, was “Jersey Shore Facts & Photos.”  Revised and updated twice, it’s now called “Jersey Shore History & Facts.”  He has since written about lighthouses, New Jersey State Parks, Niagara Falls, the Statue of Liberty, and favorite Christmas traditions. All of these books are illustrated with his original black & white photographs, plus some vintage images. He has also published two books of color photographs. He began lecturing on regional history in 2008 and built his first slideshows two years later.  In 2018 he launched Christmas Traditions, which was not only his first  holiday-themed presentation, but also the first to include live music.

After Mr. Woyce’s presentataion, refreshments will be served