“The History of Halloween” presented by Medium and Author Sydney Sherman-Wednesday, October 7 From 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (DeMayo room)

Halloween has changed dramatically over the centuries. What began with ancient beliefs, seasonal customs, and folklore gradually developed into a holiday filled with pumpkins, witches, black cats, costumes, candy, and trick-or-treating—but how did all of those traditions become connected?

In this lively and entertaining presentation, Sydney Sherman explores the history behind many of Halloween’s most familiar symbols and customs. Participants will learn why witches and black cats became associated with the holiday, where the jack-o’-lantern tradition came from, how trick-or-treating developed, and how costumes evolved from simple homemade disguises such as pirates and princesses into superheroes, villains, frightening characters, and elaborate store-bought creations.

The program also looks at the growing commercialization of Halloween, including the rise of mass-produced costumes, decorations, specialty stores, and the enormous candy industry that helped transform the holiday into the major seasonal celebration it is today.

Along the way, participants will be encouraged to share their own Halloween memories, favorite childhood costumes, neighborhood traditions, and stories from years past. The result is an informative, nostalgic, and very enjoyable program that brings the history of Halloween to life.

Drop-ins welcome as space allows. For more information, please contact Cynthia, Community Services Librarian at: cgwiazda@hagamanlibrary.org.

Extra parking is available at East Haven Town Hall (250 Main Street), KeyBank (after 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays and after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays), and in the Stop and Shop lot behind the library.