Monuments by Moonlight Tour kicks off Dade City Heritage Museum Fall Haunted History Tours

Story by Joy Lynn, edited by Diane Bedard.

Storyteller, paranormal researcher and tour guide, Joy Lynn, pioneered Dade City’s haunted history tour. This well-researched event was crafted through 25 years of local exploration, gathering stories from friends and neighbors, and thorough research to bring a haunted history tour in October, 2022.

“My love of Dade City history started 30 years ago with Leheup Hill at Lake Pasadena and is continuing with the Dade City cemetery and the heritage of Dade City’s people. I don’t consider myself a historian, as that seems too academic at times. I do consider myself a storyteller, a tour guide and a heritage researcher,” Joy said.

“I enjoy Haunted History tours as they tell the darker side of our past, the part of our heritage that is often covered up but the knowledge  makes us stronger as a community.  I started these tours after founding the Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum in the historic Train Depot,” Joy continued.

“The Dade City Heritage Museum, its board of directors and I sponsored a “Monument by Moonlight” tour that took place on the actual grounds of the cemetery,” Joy said.  

The purpose of this tour was to raise awareness of Dade City’s historic cemetery landmarks.  The stories in the stones reveal so  much about  how this beloved city  was founded and how the lives influenced our community.  As a member, Joy is currently working with the rest of the Heritage Museum Board and Dade City’s staff to get this cemetery placed on the National Register.  

The Haunted History Tours are focused in the fall as that’s when people get into the Halloween spooky mood. I make the tours fun and educational to the best of my ability. 

Joy has been conducting these tours since 2006, but only in Dade City since 2018.  Much of the tour includes the founding father’s funeral practices and crime stories. These walking tours point out structures that may have incurred murders or stories of paranormal sightings.

Her goals include continuing to expand the cemetery committee, to continue cemetery tours, downtown walking tours, and haunted history tours to educate and enlighten visitors about those that founded Dade City and Pasco County. 

Dade City Haunted History Tours to be Conducted In October

These 90-minute haunted history tour will begin in the 1912 Historic Train Depot, located at 14206 US Hwy 98, where participants enjoy refreshments and explore artifacts of eerie intrigue, learning some of the documented, as well as the undocumented history of Dade City. The tour will then continue to the historic district for a walking tour of some of the most historic areas. This original and time-established haunted history tour is for those seeking great historical narrative and paranormal intrigue.

The costumed guide will share chilling tales of Victorian funeral practices, crimes, paranormal stories, and spooky accounts drawn from local folklore and history. Explore the darker side of Dade City on all-adult, limited ticket, and hauntingly unforgettable tour!

Saturday October 1 or Friday October 7 are the 2022 dates scheduled. Ticket price is $28.00 per person. Tickets must be purchased online via Eventbrite. We are an all-volunteer museum and 501(c)3 non-profit. All proceeds benefit the Dade City Heritage Museum. Gratuities are accepted.

This is a rain or shine event. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for weather conditions and insects. Contact us by email: dadecityheritage@gmail.com or call the museum at: (352) 424-5778.