Latest news with #MichelleGraham
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum holds annual easter egg hunt
WESTON, (WBOY) — Coming off a night of severe storms in the northern part of the state, hundreds of children and families took advantage of the clearer skies and spent their Easter Sunday afternoon at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (TALA) for its 15th annual Easter egg hunt. Michelle Graham, the filming and events manager at TALA, told 12 News that about 10,000 eggs were scattered around the lawn for the event. Children were separated into different areas and age ranges and rushed to pick up as many eggs as they could when the horn sounded off at 1 p.m. 'We're such a beautiful historic landmark here in Weston, West Virginia, we want people to come here and feel like they are a part of this community hub, just like it was when it was in operation,' Graham said. Easter Party held at Clarksburg City Park Although one of the largest events at the asylum, TALA is hosting several more community events throughout the year on top of its usual schedule of paranormal and historic tours. Mother's Day special on May 11 Father's Day car show on June 15 Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum Flea Market from Aug. 1 through Aug. 3 You can find the asylum's full schedule of events and tours here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum opens for 2025 season
WESTON, (WBOY) — The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum held its grand reopening Saturday morning, welcoming visitors with a special commemorative wine glass for the first 200 guests. Recognized as one of America's most historic and mysterious asylums, the site offers guided tours on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours are available six days a week, operating from noon on Tuesdays through Fridays and Sundays, with an earlier opening at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. Filming and Events Manager of the rans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum Michelle Graham was happy to see new and returning faces. 'What's really exciting is that people that come back year after year, we kind of take a culmination of all the experiences that people have, and we incorporate those experiences into our tour so that people can hear about the things that are happening to guests who return,' Graham said. 'It's always fun to showcase that. I think people are really interested in the unknown and this is a really good way for them to still be a part of our history but also explore some of their excitement that they have when they come here.' History Over Horror: What life was really like inside the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum Guests wanting a tour can choose from three 45-minute tours or three extended 90-minute tours, each highlighting different sections of the asylum and its rich history. 'We have just started with the Friends Auxiliary of Sharpe Hospital and we started a SMILE initiative, which is sending mail, love, and encouragement where our guest can send a little note of love and encouragement to patients who reside at Sharpe Hospital to give them a little bit of a brighter day,' Graham said. The tour options are: First Floor Tour (45 min) — Explore the maximum-security wing, Arts & Crafts area, and auxiliary buildings while learning about historical treatments, patient and staff life, and the architectural significance of this renowned asylum. First Floor South Tour (45 min) — Step into the oldest section of the asylum, originally constructed by Virginia and West Virginia. This tour delves into Civil War-era stories, intricate architectural details, and firsthand accounts of patients' experiences. Criminally Insane Tour (45 min) — Held in the Forensics Building, this tour provides insight into the admissions process for the criminally insane, as well as infamous escape stories from the facility's past. Daytime Paranormal Tour (90 min) —Explore four of the asylum's most paranormally active locations. Guests must remain with their guide at all times as they uncover eerie encounters and unexplained phenomena. First Floor Plus Tour (90 min) — One of the most in-depth historical tours, this experience covers 130 years of asylum history, including treatments, construction, and daily life within the wards. This tour involves multiple flights of stairs and approximately one mile of walking. Please note, there are no elevators available. VIP Asylum Tour (90 min, Offered Wednesdays & Saturdays) — Led by expert guides without fixed scripts, this exclusive tour is customized to the group's interests. Topics may include the asylum's history, paranormal activity, Civil War connections, and medical treatments. You can learn more about the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum on its website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
