A steam-powered, post-apocalyptic Victorian future will come to life at the Granger House Museum’s Steampunk Halloween Costume Party this Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7.30 p.m.
The Granger House Museum (970 10th St., Marion) was built in the late 1800s, and the architecture is in the Victorial Italiante style. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and has preserved many of the artifacts and furniture of the Grangers, an ordinary middle-class family who lived in the house for nearly a century beginning in 1873.
“The board of directors and I are working very hard to update the image of the museum to be more than just ‘an old house with a collection of stuff,'” said Kathy Wilson, director and historian of the Granger House Museum. “As our house is Victorian Italianate, [Steampunk Halloween party] seemed like a fun idea to explore.”
During the event there will be various activities throughout the house and property. Guests will be able to play croquet after dark in the yard and have their fortunes read by professional tarot readers. Black and white movies, including the original silent version of Phantom of the Opera, will be shown in the carriage house. Party attendees can also participate in Victorian parlor games like charades and musical chairs. Wilson emphasizes that “this is not your kids Halloween party,” and while food and non-alcoholic drinks will be served, participants are free to bring their own alcoholic beverages.
“We don’t even know what to expect!” Wilson said of the party.
The Steampunk Halloween Costume Party will be the first event of its kind held by the Granger House Museum. Tickets are available online or at the door for $10 and any profits from the event will go to benefit the museum. While costumes are not a requirement, guests must be over the age of 21 to attend.
