Archives Month Virtual Talk | Ghosts in the Archives

Join us for this spooky but informative virtual event where Alena Pirok, assistant professor of history at the State University of New York at Cortland, will discuss the relationship between archives, history and ghost stories, presenting her research regarding ghost stories in Virginia as tools to elevate the historical significance of places and structures. Pirok will share her experience using archives to uncover more about ghost stories and lore and explain how these stories shape our understanding of the past.

Pirok’s research explores the way people in the United States have used ghostlore to define and understand historical places. Her 2022 book “Spirit of Colonial Williamsburg: Ghosts and Interpreting the Recreated Past” illustrates how ghostlore influenced the creation and interpretation of Colonial Williamsburg. Her forthcoming book “Interpreting Ghosts for Historical Sites and Museums” applies her research methodology and the best practices forged at sites across the nation to help museum and historical site professionals find and use archival, paranormal and literary ghostlore.

This is a free event, but registration is required. For more information, contact Mary Ann Mason at [email protected] or 804-692-3648.

Information about joining by Zoom will be shared with all registered participants.

Programming assistance is provided by the Friends of the Virginia State Archives, a 501(c)(3) organization. Visit them at friendsvirginiaarchives.org.

Learn more about 2026 Archives Month programming at www.lva.virginia.gov/events/vam/2026.

Community event in Richmond, Richmond city County, VA 23219.