Haunted history tour gives insight into Franklin’s darker past

Attendees of the inaugural Franklinstein Haunted History Tour hear the story of Kitty Koos and her Tiffany lamp theft at her old house, the Venango County Historical Society on Saturday. The event garnered overwhelming interest.

The inaugural Franklinstein Haunted History Tour, hosted by Franklin Preservation and the Barrow-Civic Theatre, drew a large crowd Saturday night for a spooky journey into Franklin’s past. Attendees boarded a bus to hear eerie tales of haunted homes, hangings, and thefts, with stops at a cemetery and massacre site. Local actors brought Franklin’s ghostly figures to life with help from professional makeup artist Kaleb Lewis, while lights and sound effects added to the atmosphere. The night ended with a cozy “postmortem” gathering at The Belfry with cider, cookies, and candy. Organizers said the strong turnout and positive feedback will likely lead to an even bigger event next year.

 

To read this complete article, visit it on our website or pick up a copy of The Derrick or The News-Herald for October 27, 2025.