Provided by Historic Dumfries Virginia, Inc.
The Weems-Botts Museum in Dumfries will host their popular Ghost Walks fundraiser throughout the month of October. These ghost tours are over an hour long, and share true paranormal stories related to the historic Weems-Botts house and the surrounding area. This is the only time of year that the paranormal tales are shared with the public. Tickets will begin to go on sale in September.
This is the ONLY time the museum will publicly discuss paranormal aspects of the property. Over the years this has been a popular fund raiser for Historic Dumfries Virginia, Inc (HDVI), a 501 (c )3 non-profit that runs the museum. Funds raised during this event help support educational programming throughout the year.
Why are these stories ONLY shared during October?
Simple: Although the museum and property ARE haunted; this is not the focus throughout the year. In addition, Historic Dumfries Virginia certainly does not want to frighten people away from this treasured historic landmark. New stories are added every year, because new paranormal events continue to happen all the time!
Is it safe to attend a ghost tour?
Yes! The spirits in the home are NOT harmful, and they seem to enjoy having visitors. The spirits in the cemetery are curious and are said to enjoy the stories – and they don’t seem to mind the annual visits by the living. They don’t mind being photographed – but please ask them (out loud) first.
What can I expect to see and hear about on the tour?
The tour begins at either 7 or 9 p.m., and shares paranormal stories related to the surrounding area. Guests visit the nearby Dumfries Elementary School, Dumfries Public Cemetery, the Enslaved Persons Cemetery, the Museum Annex – and of course, the historic Weems-Botts home!
Will I see or experience something paranormal on my tour?
Unfortunately, the museum does not control, nor can they predict when these unusual events occur. However, they often occur when you least expect them to.
What type of events have been reported by guests?
- Women have occasionally reported feeling their long hair touched.
- Men and women have occasionally reported feeling clothing or purses tugged.
- Men have occasionally reported feeling a gentle poke or touch.
- Guests have heard unusual sounds (footsteps or a sigh or moan) – but this is rare.
- Guests claim to feel cold spots in various locations.
- Guests claim to see and photograph shadow figures.
- Guests claim to experience camera malfunctions or battery drain from their electronic devices.
After the tour, feel free to explore Merchant Park in the dark! This park, located directly behind the historic house, is another location of alleged paranormal activity.
