Spooky scavenger hunt coming to Lackawanna County

Walking through the Forest Hill Cemetery in Dunmore, you wouldn't be surprised to stumble across the gravesite of a historical figure.

But you might not expect to bump into the spirit of one as well.

"Some of our more famous sons and daughters, we've got politicians, some actresses, some famous people that have left their mark here and maybe still are here," Mary Ann Savakinus from the Lackawanna Historical Society.

It's supposedly one of the most haunted graveyards in our area. 

So, it's a natural fit for the spooky scavenger hunt the Lackawanna Historical Society is hosting this weekend, called "Guys, Gals, and Graves."

"We're sending people to eight different cemeteries across Lackawanna County to find some of Lackawanna County's most famous residents who remain there, whether they're still floating around or not," said Sarah Piccini from the Lackawanna Historical Society.

If you ask John Balucha, he'll say they are.

He runs Wyoming Valley Ghost Tours and has conducted successful paranormal investigations at this cemetery.

He said, "We've had experiences where some of the people came in and saw shadow figures, but what fascinates me is the audio. We've had some great audio recordings out of here. We heard disembodied voices and knocks on command and repeat what we do."

If you miss out on the scavenger hunt this weekend but still want a taste of haunted history, the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau has put together a Haunted Trail with a dozen locations in the surrounding Scranton area.

The Lackawanna Historical Society is hosting a "Guys, Gals, and Graves" scavenger hunt that will focus on burials in Lackawanna County cemeteries as an interactive way to learn who's who in local history.

"My personal favorite is The Colonnade. A picture of the building was taken during its restoration period, and there is a little boy there; no one knows who he was or how he got there, but you might just see him if you follow along on the trail! explained Tatiana Tell from the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau.

"My personal favorite is Andy Gavin's, who has a pet ghost named George that patrons and staff claim has had a mischievous side, moving some tables around and things like that," said Curt Camoni from the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau.

According to the Lackawanna Historical Society, participants will explore local cemeteries looking for specific burials in teams or individually and will be required to email photos of each site to the Lackawanna Historical Society to receive points toward prizes.

The cemeteries provide a wealth of local history and genealogy information. The region's earliest settlers can be identified by tracing dates on gravestones in the region's oldest cemeteries, like Forest Hills, Scott Valley, or Hickory Grove.

Labor and religious leaders, war heroes, politicians, and history makers can be found in Cathedral Cemetery, Dunmore Cemetery, and tucked into small family plots as well.

Enjoy festive refreshments, share your photos and stories, and receive prizes for completing the hunt or creative selfies!