Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Paige Southerland, 317.234.5078, [email protected]

MADISON, Ind. – Madison, Ind. has one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the country and there are a number of ghost stories attached to many of its historic structures. On Sept. 16, 23 and 30, and Oct. 21, 27, 28 and 29, the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site will conduct ghost walks beginning at 7 p.m. that will leave from the Lanier/Madison Visitor Center.

“Guests on our evening ghost walks really enjoy hearing the ghost tales associated with the mansion,” said Gerry Reilly, Lanier Mansion State Historic Site manager. “Most of the rooms are dimly lit and the cupola and basement can be a little creepy.”

The first stop on the walk will be Lanier Mansion State Historic Site. A costumed guide will take guests throughout the house, including its eerie basement, and recount stories about spirits that many believe inhabit the home including The Lady in Red, The Drowning of Little John James and The Children in the Cupola. Following the tour, the group will take to the nearby streets of downtown Madison and stop outside three other locations that are rumored to be haunted.

Many of the haunted tales related to these structures are from the book Ghosts of Madison, Indiana by Virginia Jorgensen, published in 2012. The tour will end at the Broadway Hotel and Tavern which is purported to be one of the most haunted places in Madison.

Admission is $15 per adult and $7 per child, ages 17 and under. Walks will be held rain or shine and participants should be prepared to go up and down stairs and walk on uneven surfaces around downtown Madison.

Tickets are limited and reservations must be made in advance by calling the site at 812.273.0556.

#     #     #

Lanier Mansion State Historic Site is located in downtown Madison, Indiana, along the Ohio River. Part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, the Lanier Mansion sits on 9 acres and boasts a heroic story and superb architecture. The 1844 Greek Revival home belonged to James F.D. Lanier, a wealthy banker who helped finance Indiana’s part in the Civil War. For more information, call 812.265.3526 or visit indianamuseum.org/lanier.