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SYRACUSE - What historical mysteries can you uncover in downtown Syracuse?
A silent film star. John Dillinger. Firefighting heroes. Andrew Carnegie. These fascinating figures — and more —have made their mark on Syracuse history.
Now, Chautauqua-Wawasee invites guests to discover the “ghosts” of Syracuse’s past through a one-of-a-kind, one-night-only walking tour through downtown Syracuse.
Each tour lasts approximately one hour, with a total walking distance of roughly a half-mile on flat surfaces, making the tour mobility-device friendly. Tours run from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, with groups departing every 15 minutes and a dedicated guide. Eight time slots are available, with the final tour departing at 7:45 p.m.
All ages are welcome. Admission is $3 for adults, and children under 10 are free. To reserve your spot and purchase tickets, visit Chautauqua-Wawasee.org.
At multiple stops throughout downtown, volunteer storytellers will portray notable figures — and a few notorious ones — spinning strange tales, spooky legends, and dramatic moments from Syracuse’s history, all in the very places where they once unfolded, according to a news release from Chautauqua-Wawasee.
Hear from a Syracuse bank president who was once tied to a tree and watched helplessly as robbers raided the Syracuse State Bank.
Learn how Andrew Carnegie helped fund the construction of the Syracuse Public Library one hundred years ago.
Listen as a silent film star tells of his time on Wawasee — and how an early nickelodeon helped turn Syracuse onto movies.
Meet firefighters who battled multiple blazes in the Pickwick Block.
Encounter school teachers who were educational trailblazers — and discover many more fascinating characters along the way.
Check-in and tours begin and conclude at Moore’s Affordable Furniture, 200 E. Main St., Syracuse. Parking is available in the public lot across the street.
Sponsored and led by Chautauqua-Wawasee, this event combines historical research, theatrical performance and Halloween spirit for an unforgettable evening of local history, the news release states.
