~ Tickets On Sale Friday, January 2 ~
Evening tours of Centre Hill Museum will be offered on Saturday, January 24, 2015 as part of the mansion’s annual Ghost Watch event. The event will also include ghost story telling and guided tours. Areas of the former residence not normally accessible to the public will also be featured on the tour, including the underground tunnel and the attic. The official opening of parts of the East Wing will be a part of the tour for the first time.
According to accounts from residents of this landmark house, every January 24 at 7:30 p.m., a regiment of soldiers, presumably Civil War, makes their presence known at the museum. Legend states that at 7:30 p.m. the door leading into the office is heard to open. A then noise, such as soldiers marching along the passageway, up the stairs with their sabers clanging is heard going into the room over the office. Approximately 20 minutes later, the soldiers are heard descending the staircase, crossing the hall and leaving after slamming the door. Then all is quiet.
Tours will begin at 6 p.m. and will leave every 15 minutes until 8:45 p.m. The interior lights will be dimmed briefly at 7:30 p.m. and 7:50 p.m. to give visitors a chance to listen for the soldiers. Reservations are required and can by made by visiting Centre Hill Museum, located at 1 Centre Hill Avenue, before January 24. Tickets are $10 and will go on sale Friday, January 2, 2015. Pre-payment by check or cash is encouraged. This tour is recommended for ages 12 and older. For additional information, please contact (804) 733-2401.
For more information on City programs please visit www.petersburgva.gov.