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NewsABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)October 25, 2026San Francisco County

Pennhurst Asylum hosts seasonal Halloween attraction to fund historic tours and museum

Photo: ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)

Pennhurst Asylum operates a seasonal Halloween haunt inside the former Pennhurst State School property to raise funds for its museum and historic tours. The historic site, which opened in 1908 and closed in 1987 following abuse reports, now offers year-round paranormal investigations alongside educational exhibits.

TourismLocal HistoryDisability Rights
Read the full story at ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)

Why It Matters

Visitors experience a commercial Halloween attraction while funding local historical preservation and disability rights education tied to the former state institution.

Key Facts

  • Pennhurst Asylum transforms its historic property into a Halloween attraction using animatronics, lighting, sound, and actors.
  • The haunt utilizes the original administration building and tunnels from the former Pennhurst State School.
  • Proceeds from the Halloween attraction serve as a fundraiser for the property's museum and historic tours.
  • Pennhurst State School opened in 1908 and closed in 1987 after reported abuse, becoming a centerpiece for disability rights reform.
  • A museum on the site exhibits artifacts recovered from the abandoned buildings.
  • The property offers year-round paranormal investigations and historic tours exploring its history.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationPennhurst State School“Historic institution that opened in 1908 and closed in 1987.”locationSpring City“Location of the Pennhurst Asylum property in Pennsylvania.”OrganizationPennhurst Asylum“Operates the Halloween haunt and historic tours on the property.”