On Oct. 24, guests 18 years or older can  experience “Haunted History: An Exploration with Pride Paranormal” at Ward School No. 2.  Admission is by a free-will donation, with all proceeds being used for long-term preservation and restoration of the  Chenango County Historical Society’s  flagship facility. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH - Built in 1896, Ward School No. 2 has served as the flagship facility for the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) since 1960. Standing on the corner of Rexford and Silver streets, the Richardsonian Romanesque structure is home to more than 75,000 archives and artifacts related to local history and heritage.

Patrons can tour Ward School No. 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 24 to decide for themselves whether the building holds more than just museum collections. “Haunted History” will allow guests to explore gallery spaces alongside the community-based and culturally-inclusive Pride Paranormal team as it conducts paranormal investigations.

Led by seasoned paranormal investigator Kenny Harris, the evening features education and exploration related to the paranormal possibilities at Ward School No. 2. Participants will not only learn about Chenango County history but how paranormal investigations are conducted.

“This is your chance to experience first-hand the process of a paranormal investigation,”  said Jessica Moquin, CCHS executive director.  “We are extremely grateful to Pride Paranormal for offering this unconventional museum experience.”

Admission to “Haunted History: An Exploration with Pride Paranormal” is a free-will donation left up to each visitor’s discretion. All proceeds will be used for long-term preservation and restoration of Ward School No. 2. Guests must be 18 years or older to participate in “Haunted History.” (CCHS reserves the right to remove any patrons deemed to be disruptive.)

First established in 1939, CCHS is the area’s premier heritage museum dedicated to celebrating local culture—its unique traditions and noteworthy stories.  Programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. CCHS is also a proud partner of Bloomberg Connects, an app that allows visitors to enhance their exhibit experience through audio clips, videos, and more. Download this free digital museum guide via the Apple Store or Google Play, and visit  ChenangoHistorical.org  for more details about this and other museum programs.

The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) explores the culture of Chenango County—its enduring traditions, noteworthy residents, and unique stories—through preservation and presentation of local heritage.

- Information from the CCHS