New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced that online registration for the annual Capitol Hauntings tours will open on Monday, August 27.  Due to popular demand, the tours will begin on Monday, September 17, two weeks earlier than in past years. These special tours explore the legends, folklore, and “ghost stories” connected to the historic state Capitol.

“Just like the Halloween candy and costumes that start appearing in stores this time of year, the opening of online registration for our annual Capitol Hauntings tours is a sure sign that fall is just around the corner,” Commissioner Destito said. “The Hauntings Tour is one of the most popular of our special themed tours at the Capitol, and we are excited to offer additional dates and times this year for the public to explore the supernatural history of New York’s statehouse.”

In tales that mix history with the macabre, tour guides will tell stories about the night watchman who died in the Capitol fire of 1911 and who some believe still makes his rounds today. They also recount tales of the two United States presidents who visited the Capitol after they died.

Find out where the Assembly Chamber’s “lost” murals are located and what happened to the tormented artist who created them. Walking among the gargoyle-like carvings and strange carved faces, visitors will discover the location of the Capitol’s “secret demon” and evidence of a curse the demon may hold on the Capitol will be revealed, along with other dark secrets.

The tour lasts about an hour, but the chilling, ghostly tales might haunt you forever.

Given from September 17 through November 2, the free Capitol Hauntings tours will be offered:

• Weekdays at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. These tours start at the information desk located in the Capitol’s State Street Lobby.
• Saturdays at 1 p.m. These tours begin at the Plaza Visitor Center and Gift Shop, located at the north end of the Empire State Plaza’s underground concourse.
• No tours will be offered on Columbus Day, Monday, October 8.

Space on each tour is limited, so pre-registration is required. Individuals and groups of 10 or fewer may register online at www.Empirestateplaza.org, beginning on Monday, August 27. Larger parties should call (518) 474-2418 to register.