Wails of the dying and shrieks of the sick will pierce the night air in downtown Knoxville as Blount Mansion presents a special three-evening Halloween program* titled “Days of Dread: Knoxville’s Historic Epidemics.” The kickoff event is Oct. 25 with two additional tours, also from 8-9:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 30, and Thursday, Oct. 31. Visitors will be guided into the dark days of the past, when blistering, bleeding and purging were common medical treatments. A troop of volunteer actors will recreate scenes, including William Blount’s fatal fever in 1800, the cholera outbreak of 1873 and the flu epidemic of 1918. It’s based on the research by Laura Still, author of the best-selling book, A Haunted History of Knoxville.

Free parking is available during the event at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center and in the Dwight Kessel Garage across the street. Tickets are available HERE.

*Note: This program may not be suitable for young children.