A different graveyard and different spooks will add new life to the Freeport Historical Society Ghost Tours this year.

In past Ghost Tours, members of Freeport Players have visited graves at Woodlawn Cemetery on West Street. At the graves, the actors tell the stories of the people buried there. However, once a grave has been visited, it is not revisited in a subsequent year. So, the historical society has chosen for this year the Old Parish Burying Ground, next to Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections.

“The exciting thing about this year is that there are eight all-new ghosts,” said Holly Hurd, curator and collections manger for the Freeport Historical Society. “Nobody has heard from these people.”

Members of Freeport’s first church are interred at the Old Parish Burying Ground, she said.

During the nightime tours, a lantern is hung by a specified grave and Freeport Players actor takes the “stage.”

“These are theatrical pieces,” Hurd said. “The actors learn them by heart. The idea is for people to know more about past residents in a fun way. It’s really been a fun, popular event, and it’s not too scary for children.”

Elizabeth Guffy, executive director of the Freeport Players, writes the scripts.

Hurd said that Sherry Dietrich, the historical society’s office manager, resarched the people buried in the cemetery to determine which gravesites to visit.

“This cemetery has never been done, so it keeps the ghosts fresh,” Hurd said.

To sweeten up the event, Wilbur’s will supply treats to those on the tour.

A member of the Freeport Players tells a story on the life of a person buried at Woolawn Cemtery in Freeport, during a past “Ghost Tour.” This year, the Ghost Tour will be held at the Old Parish Burying Ground.

This ghostly image was made to promote the new Freeport Historical Society/Freeport Players Ghost Tours, Oct. 21-29 at the Old Parish Burying Ground.