photo by: Contributed

An exhibit about the Día de los Muertos on display during a "Haunting Humanities" event from 2023. The event, hosted by KU's Hall Center for the Humanities, returns Wednesday, Oct. 29, and features interactive exhibits about research topics at KU.

Several years ago, members of the University of Kansas’s Hall Center for the Humanities were brainstorming ways to share their research that were more interactive and engaging — not just long talks in stuffy lecture halls.

Andrew Hodgson, the assistant director for the Hall Center, recalled that someone suggested the idea of a haunted house. That idea evolved into the first “Haunted Humanities” event in 2018. Despite a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hodgson said the free event, which will come back for the fourth time on Wednesday Oct. 29, has become a favorite of both the KU faculty and staff and Lawrence residents.

“It’s the most fun thing we do,” Hodgson said.

This year’s Haunted Humanities festival will take place at Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St., from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Described as a “science fair for the humanities,” the event will host 19 different exhibits that highlight research topics with activities that add a spooky theme perfect for Halloween festivities. Those topics include Victorian era séances, the Greek myth of Arachnae — a woman turned into a spider after besting a god in a weaving contest (attendees can get a taste of the action by making their own friendship bracelets) — the study of epigenetics, or how ancestral trauma affects present-day health, and an interactive exhibit covering Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.”

photo by: Contributed

A display called “Cursed Classics” during a “Haunting Humanities” event from 2023. The event, hosted by KU’s Hall Center for the Humanities, returns Wednesday, Oct. 29, and features interactive exhibits about research topics at KU.

Visitors to the event will receive a map of the venue and can guide themselves through the various exhibits and activities at their own pace. Each exhibit will have a rating — G, PG, PG-13 or R — listed in the event’s program to indicate whether it is appropriate for younger audiences or adults

The majority of the events are family friendly, and Hodgson said that factor is important to the Hall Center and the attendees as it gives young children a chance to learn more about the world in a fun way.

“Six-year olds do not want to sit through a lecture,” Hodgson said. “But with this, they can have fun, play games, get some candy and engage in these topics in an environment that is fun for all ages.”

Hodgson said it is also a great way to showcase the work of KU researchers to people outside of campus. Hodgson said people have said it is “eye-opening” to learn about the range of topics being studied.

Hodgson said this event is also one of the most wide-reaching programs for the Hall Center. He said he has worked there for 10 years and knows the audience of who attends their events “pretty well.” This event stands out because he sees many “people (he’s) never seen before” at one of the center’s other events.

“There are so many things going on at once,” Hodgson said. “Everyone can find something that piques their interest.”

While the event runs for nearly four hours, Hodgson noted people can spend as long as they want, with most people attending for about an hour. Food will be available for purchase from Trav’s BBQ, and the Abe & Jake’s bar will feature a menu of spooky boutique cocktails.

For more information about the event and a full list of attractions, you can visit the Hall Center’s website.

photo by: Contributed

KU’s Hall Center will host a family-friendly “science fair for the humanities” event called “Haunting Humanities” on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The event will host 19 engaging exhibits about a variety of spooky themed research topics worked on by KU researchers.