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A Dark History Basement Tour

  • Tardigrade's Bookshelf 501 North Richmond Street Appleton, WI, 54911 United States (map)

St. Dymphna’s Asylum | Stories from the local archives

This Halloween, step into St. Dymphna’s Asylum for an immersive evening where local history, live museum exhibits, film, and storytelling come together.

A Dark History: Basement Tour transforms the building’s basement into a 20-minute guided journey through the dark history of asylums. Local history expert and author Gavin Schmitt will serve as your museum docent and storyteller, leading guests through the space and the stories that were hidden in the historical archives.

Along the way, history will come to life through live museum exhibits created in partnership with Dan Davies, a local filmmaker, author, and award-winning actor. Rather than simply hearing the stories, guests will encounter scenes and exhibits woven throughout the tour, creating an immersive experience somewhere between a museum, historical tour, and theatrical performance.

Before your tour begins, check in to the “waiting room,” where your ticket includes a complimentary drink and access to the event space. Settle in and enjoy a selection of horror short films by local filmmakers while you wait for your group to be called.

Then, when it’s your turn, prepare to descend.

October 30 & 31
First tour: 6:00 PM
Tours approximately every 20 minutes
Last tour: 10:00 PM
Tickets: $25 at the door, while space is available

Tour capacity is limited, and tickets are available at the door only on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to secure your place in the evening’s tour schedule.

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October 31

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November 1

Lab Day