STORIES lurk in the shadows of Howe House, but if you can wait until nightfall then the truth can emerge from the darkness.
The night tour of one of the Hawkesbury's oldest buildings, situated in historic Thompson Square, will be hosted by Hawkesbury Regional Museum, and Kate Fisher, creative programs coordinator for Hawkesbury City Council, said punters could look forward to hearing some true and quirky stories about unique people of the Hawkesbury.
"Revealed will be local tales of death by fire, flood, knife and pestilence, or opportunities seized and hopes dashed, of multiple marriages, true love, and past lives kept secret until now," said Ms Fisher.
"The tour features intriguing stories including the runaway nun, the burnt bride and the ghost of Greenman's Valley, to name just a few.
"In the parlour you will hear the tale of Mary Howe, the wealthy, independent business women who outlived all three of her husbands; a month before she married her third husband Laban White, his mistress gave birth to his son! Does it sound suspicious? Come along and hear the story and make up your own mind!
"Or hear the sad tale of Phillip Cunningham, the Kerryman behind Australia's first rebellion who was captured and immediately hanged without trial on the site directly opposite Howe House."
The tour will be run by experienced tour guide Jo Henwood, who also conducts programs at Sydney Observatory, Sydney Botanical Gardens and the Quarantine Station, and is an Accredited Storyteller with the NSW Storytelling Guild.
As well as adding flair and drama to her tour Jo has meticulously researched material for the tour and found the most fascinating and peculiar stories to share, said Ms Fisher.
"Come along to find out the shadowy side of the Hawkesbury's history," she said.
"Be entertained, explore the house by candle light at night and discover local tales of death by fire, flood, knife and pestilence, of opportunities seized, and hopes dashed, of multiple marriages, true love, and past lives kept secret until now. But be warned, because these are true stories! Nothing and no one is quite what they seem!"
The tour is for ages 12 years and over, and numbers are strictly limited - so get in quick.
The cost is $25 per person and the tour will take place on Friday, August 2, from 6-7.30pm.
Book at www.hawkesburymuseum.eventbrite.com.
- Hawkesbury Regional Museum will also be hosting the Windsor Ghost Tour including Historic Howe House on Saturday, July 20, 7-9pm. Join Janice Hart for a special lantern lit walking tour of Windsor starting at Howe House, and experience walking with the spirits of the Hawkesbury's pioneers. Bookings can be made via the above Eventbrite link.