Free Virtual Capitol Building Haunting Tours This Year

Every year around Halloween the ghosts of the New York Capital Building are put on display for all to see...or actually just hear about. As far as I know, nobody has actually seen one of the ghosts on a tour.

Well, due to the coronavirus pandemic the usual ghost tour of the Capitol Building has been canceled. However this year they are offering a free online tour that will explore the haunting, the legends, folklore, and tales of unexplained occurrences connected to the historic state Capitol.

New York State Office of General Services announced that the virtual tours will happen the three Thursdays leading up to Halloween. Each video will be at 1:00 pm and will remain up on the website for everyone to watch. Here's the link for the virtual tours. empirestateplaza.ny.gov/virtual-visit.

The schedule for the three virtual tours will explore three legends of the Capitol building. According to the Troy Record here's this year's schedule.

The Fire of 1911 – 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15

On March 29, 1911, a tragic fire swept through the New York State Capitol. The tour will explore the fire and how it contributed to stories of unexplained occurrences in the years after. Find out about the fate of the night watchman who patrolled the statehouse on that tragic night.

Creepy Capitol Carvings – 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22,

The New York State Capitol is known for its intricate hand-carved detail completed by hundreds of stone carvers throughout the building’s 32 years of construction. In this tour, people will discover the inspiration behind some of the carvings, the differences between grotesques and gargoyles, and the mystery behind the carved “secret demon” hidden among the walls.

Legends of the Capitol Halls – 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29

The New York State Capitol is the picture-perfect setting for a scary story. Throughout the years, Capitol employees and visitors have reported unexplained occurrences throughout the building. This tour will focus on the legends and lore of the Capitol — including the two U.S. presidents who visited after their deaths.

Since there won't be actual in-person tours this year, this will have to be the next best thing. So turn out the lights, snuggle up to the computer and learn the creepy history of the New York Capital Building.