Does the thought of ghost tales conjure up in your mind images of ghoulies and ghosties and long leggety beasties, and other things that go bump in the night? It’s almost that time of year again — Halloween!

And that means it’s time for Ghost Tales around the Campfire at 6:30 p.m. Thursday here at Historic Jefferson College. This will be the 26th year for visitors to gather around the bonfire to hear local storytellers share their scary tales of Halloween adventures.

Storytelling is one of the oldest art forms used to teach and to entertain before stories were written down. This activity is a favorite pastime here at HJC, especially if you add a few special ingredients. Timing is important — it has to be just before Halloween, on a dark night in a bayou surrounded by the kudzu-covered woods. Add a dash of flames from a bonfire to reflect on the faces gathered round with wide eyes. Add to this scene a few storytellers relating weird experiences that seem to pull you into the words they speak. Stir slightly until there’s a good blend to make you a part of the story as it gradually unfolds.

Last year more than 60 people braved the darkness to hear the storytellers practice their craft. It promises to be fun, maybe scary but not too scary. The stories told are appropriate for adults and children. So bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit outside near the warmth of the fire and listen to these ghostly tales.

Historic Jefferson College, chartered in 1802, provides the perfect setting for Ghost Tales around the Campfire. It was once a center of learning and the first educational institution in the state. Historic Jefferson College is now part of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, and offers year round educational experiences to the public. Our historic site is located 4 miles north of Natchez on U.S. 61 in Washington.

Ghost Tales around the Campfire will take place around the campfire in the hollow near the visitor’s center. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair. In case of rain we will have this event inside the West Wing, built in 1839, with signs to guide you to the building. You will still need a chair or blanket to sit on. This event is free of charge.

For more information contact me at 601-442-2901 or kmcneil@mdah.state.ms.us.

Kay McNeil is a historian and event coordinator at Historic Jefferson College.