During a recent visit to Honesdale, PA, I came across a storefront loaded with Halloween decorations. Most of the mom-and-pop stores on Main Street featured some fall or Halloween décor. Yet, this place stood out. This ended up being the find of the day for my friend and me…a Halloween museum! Interestingly enough, we found the museum on our way to find our car. This was the perfect ending to a fun-filled day.
Upon entering, we were greeted by the owner and museum curator, Fernando. His passion for what we were about to see was clear, and his love of Halloween matched ours.
The Magic of Halloween
My love of Halloween started when I was a small child. I was always in tune with what was going on around me. Though I loved getting candy, I truly loved the atmosphere. The leaves crunching under my feet. Carved jack-o-lanterns. Spooky music and sound effects being played out of the 2nd-story windows. The chill in the air. This night was truly magical for me, and to this day, I can still feel the difference in the air. I truly believe the barrier between the living and the dead is thinner on Halloween night.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Once we entered, I was transported back to the 1970s and 1980s. Saying things like “I remember that” or “I have that” were the comments of the visit. To really appreciate the Museum, you need to take your time and look at everything. The feel of Halloween was all around us, including the crunching of leaves (yes, there are even dead leaves on the floor). Between the Beistle Halloween decorations and classic blow-mold plug-ins, I felt I was home away from home.
More Than Just a Museum
The beauty of Fernando’s collection isn’t just in the items themselves—it’s in the way he’s curated the atmosphere. Each section of the museum felt like walking into a different Halloween memory. A wall of vintage Beistle decorations stood tall. There were classic trick-or-treat pails and even some classic Ben Cooper costumes. These items opened a floodgate of memories. Who didn’t wear those Ben Cooper costumes?
It’s clear that this isn’t just a business; it’s a labor of love. The Halloween Museum is more than just an exhibition of old spooky things; it’s a time capsule. It’s a place where the magic of the season is perpetually alive, inviting visitors to reconnect with the simple, innocent thrill of a childhood Halloween. It served as a fantastic reminder that sometimes the best treasures are found when you’re not even looking for them. If you ever find yourself in the Poconos region, be sure to make a detour to this charming town and step into a world where it’s always October 31st.
The address of the museum is 742 Main St, Honesdale, PA 18431. You can follow them on Instagram as well!