The wind rustles through the live oaks and the shadowy darkness is broken only by the glow from a jack-o-lantern’s ghoulish grin.

This seemingly mild-mannered historic site can get downright creepy after dark! Grab a brave friend, a warm blanket and a lawn chair and come out to Historic Jefferson College, in Washington, Oct. 25-28, when we’ll be presenting our third annual “Horror Week!”

The week begins with a Halloween Horror Film Fest, featuring three different movies, centered on the 50th anniversary of one of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest films, about a young man who really likes his mother!

Our public performance license says we can’t actually say the name of the movies, but I can say this — Monday night will be the original, Tuesday is the sequel and Wednesday is the scene-by-scene remake of this classic exercise in terror.

One movie will be shown in the historic West Wing each night, beginning at 7 p.m., and admission is free!

Popcorn, soft drinks and hot cocoa will be available for sale. Parents are advised that these movies can be scary and intense, and are probably not suitable for young children. Please call or e-mail me for the detailed movie schedule and titles.

Although the Horror Film Fest is geared toward teenagers and adults, we also have a popular family activity on Thursday, Oct. 28.

During Ghost Tales Around the Campfire, local storytellers sharing haunting yarns about the Natchez area. This family-friendly activity is great for all ages, begins at 6 and is free of charge.

Visitors may wish to bring blankets or chairs. In the event of rain, this activity will move to the West Wing, but the stories will go on!

Thanks goes to all the Horror Week sponsors who make our thrills and chills possible.

For more information, please call Historic Jefferson College at 601-442-2901 or send e-mail to rperson@mdah.state.ms.us.

HJC is located in Washington, right off U.S. 61, four miles northeast of Natchez.

It is administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Robin Seage Person is the branch director of Historic Jefferson College.