Join us for an evening of history, games, food, and ghost stories at the 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House. Inspired by social gatherings of the Regency period, Ghosts in the Parlor offers a fun and unique way to experience one of Edwardsville's oldest homes after hours.

Spend the evening playing traditional parlor games, decorating a masquerade mask, and exploring fortune-telling customs that were popular in the early 1800s. Hear ghost stories based on local history and folklore while enjoying seasonal desserts, light refreshments, and a specialty mocktail.

Regency- or Empire-period clothing is encouraged but not required.

Your ticket includes:

Historic parlor games
Ghost stories
fortune telling
Masquerade mask decorating
Light refreshments and desserts
Specialty mocktail

Ages: 18 and older

Registration: Space is limited. Advance registration is required. All activities are for entertainment purposes only. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, please consider your ticket purchase a tax-deductible donation to the museum.

About the Museum

The 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House opens an enchanting window on cultural, political, and architectural developments during the early history of Illinois. Built in 1820 by skilled craftsmen and the Stephenson family’s indentured servants, it was constructed using native materials from the region. The two-story Federal Style home is an excellent example of architecture from this early period and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Illinois State Historic Preservation Agency includes it among only a handful of homes built in the first quarter of the 19th century that remain standing in Illinois. It is also considered the oldest brick home in Madison County, Illinois.

Today, the renovated Stephenson House is a hands-on learning center, bustling with activities from the Stephenson Era that will entertain and educate visitors of all ages. Trained docents in period dress provide tours of the house and gardens. The rebuilt summer kitchen recreates cooking techniques and recipes from the day. The sights, smells, and sounds are designed to increase awareness of the region’s cultural heritage and provide a real-life glimpse of Edwardsville in the 1820s.

The beautiful home serves as a permanent reminder of the people who gave extraordinary service to our country, state, and city in the early days of the 19th century. It is a timeless community treasure, enriching the lives of present and future generations.