Free 'Capitol Hauntings Tours' Begin Thursday, October 1
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced the highly anticipated annual return of the Capitol Hauntings tours. Online registration is now open to reserve a Capitol Hauntings tour, from Thursday, October 1, through Friday, October 30. These special hour-long tours explore the legends, folklore, mysterious sightings, and strange things connected to the historic state Capitol.
For the third year in a row, the Capitol Hauntings experience will be available as part of Albany First Fridays, with the Hauntings Open House featuring a pop-up shop offering limited-edition merchandise. Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 2, with last entry at 6 p.m., visitors can enjoy an enchanting self-guided tour and interact with guides sharing supernatural stories and other tales of the unknown as they wander through the building at their own pace.
"As Halloween approaches, Team OGS is excited to welcome visitors looking to experience the spirit of the season at the Capitol," Commissioner Moy said. "These free annual tours offer a new and unexpected way to explore the historic New York State Capitol while hearing some of its most intriguing ghost stories and legends."
Intertwining history with ghoulish narratives, tour guides share stories about the night watchman who died in the 1911 Capitol fire and who some believe still patrols the space today. They also recount myths of two United States presidents who paid a visit to the Capitol after their deaths.
Find out where the Assembly Chamber’s “lost” murals are located and what happened to the tormented artist who created them. Walking among the gargoyle-like carvings and odd carved faces, visitors will discover the location of the Capitol’s “hidden demon” and evidence of a curse that it may hold on the Capitol will be revealed, along with other dark secrets.
The free Capitol Hauntings tours will be offered:
- 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 1. These tours start at the information desk in the Capitol’s State Street Lobby. Reservations required.
- 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from Wednesday, October 7, through Friday, October 23. These tours start at the information desk in the Capitol’s State Street Lobby. Reservations required.
- 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, from October 26 through October 30. These tours start at the information desk in the Capitol’s State Street Lobby. Reservations required.
- Hauntings Open House on Friday, October 2, starting at 5 p.m. with last entry at 6 p.m., featuring a pop-up shop next to the information desk in the State Street lobby with NYS Capitol, Halloween, and exclusive Hauntings Tour merchandise. This is a self-guided experience. Reservations are not required.
Space on each tour is limited, so pre-registration is required. Individuals and groups of 10 or fewer may register online at www.empirestateplaza.ny.gov. Larger parties should call (518) 474-2418 to register. Regular weekday walk-in tours at the Capitol remain available at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.
About the New York State Office of General Services
For 65 years, the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) has proudly served as the operational engine of New York State. The agency provides the essential foundation for government to function seamlessly — managing and leasing real property, designing modern facilities, streamlining procurement, and stewarding world-class cultural assets. Through its commitment to efficiency, innovation, and environmental sustainability, OGS handles the complex logistics of government so that its partners can dedicate their full focus to what matters most: advancing their missions to serve the people of New York. Discover how OGS continues to support New York at ogs.ny.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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