The Historic New Orleans Collection is resurrecting its special Halloween-themed tour of its Louisiana History Galleries October 2–31. “Danse Macabre: The Nightmare of History” will be available Tuesday–Sunday at 11 a.m. at 533 Royal Street.

In medieval allegory, “la danse macabre,” or the dance of death, is a ritualized march to the grave—a sober reminder of life's finality cloaked in wicked mirth. In a similar spirit, THNOC's “Danse Macabre: The Nightmare of History,” will lead visitors through darker aspects of New Orleans lore.

From the unwholesome subject of executions in French Louisiana to the gritty logistics of cemetery relocation, the tour is a toast to the authentically spooky—a veritable dance to the grave. Mosquitos, serial killers, colonialism and unlawful assembly are just some of the topics likely to produce a bedlam of fright, insights and delights.

Please note: this is not a walking tour of New Orleans or the French Quarter, and the tours are not intended for children under the age of 13.

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For a preview of the tour, check out our story by THNOC Interpration Assistant Dylan Jordan.