The restless spirits of Fullerton are again readying to move out of the shadows and into the spotlight as the Fullerton Museum Center prepares for its 6th Annual “Haunted Fullerton Walking Tours” this fall.

While the tours will not begin until September, persons interested in participating are strongly advised to get their registrations in early as the tours book up fast.

Tours will be given on Wednesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 20 through Nov. 9. 

Locations to be visited on the tours can vary and may include the landmark Plummer Auditorium, where local researchers have captured some interesting anomalies on film;  the historic California Hotel, now Villa del Sol;  and the home of Fullerton’s first woman auto dealer.

While a good ghost story appeals to most people, Aimee Aul, Fullerton Museum Center educator and tour coordinator, said the tours’ real draw is they give participants a chance to learn a little about Fullerton’s colorful history: 

“This is really about a celebration of local legend,” Aul said.  “We’re not making any supernatural claims for this;  we’re just sharing stories of another facet of Fullerton’s history, particularly that of the downtown.”

The tours leave the museum promptly at 6 p.m., and last approximately two and one-half hours. 

Aul emphasized that “ghost hunters” should be prepared for a lot of walking, and that the tour will include climbing stairs.  Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a sense of humor with them. 

The tour is not recommended for children under 13.

Cost of the tour is $8 for museum members, and $12 for the general public.  Space is limited and prepaid reservations are required. 

Reservations and further information may be obtained by calling the Fullerton Museum Center at (714) 738-6545.  Persons requiring special accommodations to participate in the tour are asked to notify the museum staff when making reservations.