Northern Kentucky University
The Walton Ghost Walk and Mystery Tour
Institution
Northern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Rebecca Bailey; Bridget Striker; Lois Hamill; Mike Lively
Abstract
Boone County Public Library and Boone County Parks and Recreation co-sponsored a Burlington Ghost Walk and Mystery Tour in 2007 as an experiment in "fun" ways to promote local history. The public response far exceeded expectations and as a result, the Library and Parks Department planned a tour for the City of Walton, one of the oldest settlements in Boone County. The project focused on eight to ten properties within walking distance to one another that have rumors of haunting or mysterious events or people surrounding the properties. Research included census, deed and newspaper searches; and interviews with Walton residents. The final result is a written script of the tour route, detailing the history of the property, families involved and the event that occurred. The tour includes a visit to the Walton Cemetery and the historic Abner Gaines Tavern. The second phase of the project is to develop an online version of the tour to be posted on the Boone County Public Library site. In addition to the completed historical research, an interactive website that will include photographs, audio, and 3D modeling is being developed in conjunction with the Northern Kentucky University College of Arts and Sciences Instructional Design Department.
The Walton Ghost Walk and Mystery Tour
Boone County Public Library and Boone County Parks and Recreation co-sponsored a Burlington Ghost Walk and Mystery Tour in 2007 as an experiment in "fun" ways to promote local history. The public response far exceeded expectations and as a result, the Library and Parks Department planned a tour for the City of Walton, one of the oldest settlements in Boone County. The project focused on eight to ten properties within walking distance to one another that have rumors of haunting or mysterious events or people surrounding the properties. Research included census, deed and newspaper searches; and interviews with Walton residents. The final result is a written script of the tour route, detailing the history of the property, families involved and the event that occurred. The tour includes a visit to the Walton Cemetery and the historic Abner Gaines Tavern. The second phase of the project is to develop an online version of the tour to be posted on the Boone County Public Library site. In addition to the completed historical research, an interactive website that will include photographs, audio, and 3D modeling is being developed in conjunction with the Northern Kentucky University College of Arts and Sciences Instructional Design Department.