FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2007
CONTACT: Molly Dannenmaier
Director of Marketing and Public Relations,
409-765-7834
molly.dannenmaier@galvestonhistory.org

“Are We Haunted?”
Special October Tours at Ashton Villa Highlight Legends and Ghost Stories of the Mansion

A serious house museum deals only in historical facts and artifacts, but for this season the staff of the only antebellum mansion on Broadway is happy to tell ghost stories.

(click on the picture to download it in a press ready format)

Is Ashton Villa haunted by the spirit of “Miss Bettie,” the daughter of the house’s first owner, James Moreau Brown? Maybe. Maybe not. Since 1975, when GHF opened the restored mansion to the public, legends and ghost stories have attached themselves to Ashton Villa.

Miss Bettie Brown, for example, is said to appear from time to time on the second floor landing in a long turquoise gown. Some have even heard the piano in the Gold Room played at night by unseen hands. Miss Bettie never learned to play the piano in life—she was an accomplished painter whose works are on display throughout the house—but her sister played both piano and violin.

Those who believe in Miss Bettie’s ghost are of two minds: should they let her be and keep quiet about her presence, or let visitors know that she is among them as they tour her house?

Skeptics and scoffers are also divided: should they avoid the topic as unprofessional and unhistorical, or explore the legends as an additional attraction to a house rich in documented incident and colorful corporeal characters?

Ashton Villa’s staff is agnostic on the question and in no way present the mansion as a haunted house. But during October they are glad to relate the legends to those interested, and to debunk them where evidence exists. Visitors are left to decide for themselves.

From October 1 through 31, 2007, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., special “Are We Haunted?” tours begin at the top of each hour. The last tour enters the house at 4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for students (half-price for students in Halloween costume). Galveston Historical Foundation members are admitted free. The 1859 Ashton Villa house museum and Heritage Visitors’ Center is located at 2328 Broadway. For more information, call Jami Durham at 409-762-3933.

Haunted Harbor Experience to be Offered Onboard Seagull II Throughout October