By Erin Lomax
Chautauqua-Wawasee Board Member

SYRACUSE — What do a silent film star, John Dillinger, firefighting heroes and Andrew Carnegie have in common? Well, the history of Syracuse, Indiana – that’s what! Chautauqua Wawasee invites guests to step back in local history – but with a twist! At multiple stops throughout downtown Syracuse, guests will meet the “ghosts” of Syracuse’s past in this one-of-a-kind, one-night-only walking tour.

Volunteer storytellers portray notable figures (and a few notorious ones) and will regale guests with strange tales, spooky legends, and dramatic moments from Syracuse’s history, all in the very places they once unfolded. Hear from a Syracuse bank president who was once tied to a tree and watched helplessly as robbers robbed the Syracuse State Bank, learn how Andrew Carnegie helped to fund the Syracuse Public Library’s construction 100 years ago, listen as a silent film star tells of his time on Wawasee (and how an early nickelodeon turned Syracuse onto movies), meet firefighters who fought multiple blazes in the Pickwick Block, along with school teachers who were educational trailblazers – and so many more!

Guests are highly encouraged to buy their tickets and reserve a tour time in advance at ChautauquaWawasee.org. Each tour lasts about an hour and the total walking distance is roughly a half-mile on flat surfaces (mobility-device friendly). Tours run from 6 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, and departs every 15 minutes with a dedicated guide from Moore’s Affordable Furniture, located caddy corner from the Syracuse Public Library. All ages welcome – Kids 10 and under are free while ages 11 – Adults are $3!

This unique event sponsored and led by Chautauqua Wawasee combines historical research, theatrical performance, and Halloween spirit into one unforgettable evening. For more information visit chautauquawawasee.org/syracuse-ghost-tour-2025/