One of New Jersey’s most haunted historic sites will become the home to some additional ghostly spirits during the Halloween season.
The Historic Burlington County Prison Museum — described by the SyFy Channel’s “Ghost Hunters” and other paranormal investigators as an active paranormal hotspot – will host a series of special “haunted tours” and hangouts this month to celebrate Halloween and the many ghost stories associated with the former prison.
Located at 128 High Street in Mount Holly, the Burlington County Prison was once the oldest continuously used jail in America. It housed criminals for more than 150 years from 1811 to 1965 before becoming a museum dedicated to the history of the prison and those who were incarcerated or who worked within its walls.
“Burlington County is full of history, and the Prison Museum is one of our most prized assets. It offers visitors a unique look at the life and experiences of prisoners, guards, and law enforcement, during the more than a century and a half that it operated,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the County Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “The ghost tours and haunts offer an entertaining nod to the prison’s past and the unexplained phenomena reported inside it. Regardless of whether you believe in ghosts or are just curious about the prison’s history, this is an exciting time to visit.”
“The Halloween season is full of fun for children and adults alike, and we’re excited to see our County Parks team and the Prison Museum Association create these family-friendly attractions,” added Commissioner Randy Brolo. “Both the Family Ghost Tours and The Haunting on High Street offer safe Halloween-themed fun while encouraging visitors to discover more about the remarkable history that can be found in the museum.”
The Haunting on High Street
Those looking for some additional scares can purchase tickets for The Haunting on High Street, a series of haunted tours through the museum on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., on October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31.
Organized by the Historic Burlington County Prison Museum Association and association member Jim Reed, the ticketed tours will feature costumed actors and special effects to depict restless spirits and frightening ghouls from an unknown dark realm.
Following tours, ticketholders will be invited to hang out in the prison yard for more family-friendly entertainment, including face painting, ghost stories, tarot card reading, games, music, and food vendors.
Tickets will be timed and can be purchased online at hauntingonhighstreet.com.
Tour tickets include the after-party hangout. Tickets for the hangout-only can also be purchased separately.
No drugs, alcohol, smoking, or vaping will be permitted in any part of the Prison Museum or its grounds.
Proceeds from the Haunting on High Street tours will benefit the Historic Burlington County Prison Museum Association, the nonprofit group that first lobbied for the prison’s preservation and that assists with operating it as a museum dedicated to the prison’s remarkable history.
“For many years the Prison Museum hosted haunted prison tours in October to raise funds for our association and generate more exposure for the museum,” said Janet Sozio, president of the Burlington County Prison Museum Association. “We’re excited to bring the tradition back with the help of Jim Reed and his creative team. They have some fun, family-friendly scares in the works, and there will also be plenty of music, food, and games during the after parties. It’s going to be a great way to experience some Halloween fun, and it will also help our association raise funds to support several of the new exhibits in development.”
Among the new attractions being developed by the Prison Museum Association is an interactive computer kiosk that allows visitors to interact with Founding Father James Wilson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a key contributor to the U.S. Constitution. Wilson also served a short stint in Burlington County Prison for debt.
The Prison Museum’s regular operating hours are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
