The Tricks Behind the Treat: The History of Halloween
- 28th Oct 2025
- 6:30pm - 7:30pm
- Glass Classroom, Coalbrookdale
- £5 per person, £4.50 for Friends of IGMT
Have you ever wondered why we go 'trick or treating', tell ghostly tales, and carve pumpkins every Halloween?
From ancient pagan festivals and Christian rituals, to British folk traditions and American customs, Lauren Collier, Head of Interpretation, will uncover the fascinating history of Halloween, exploring the origins of customs, superstitions, and rituals that have shaped our favourite haunting traditions and reveal how Halloween has evolved into the spooky celebration we know today.
This talk is part of IGMT’s ‘Twilight Tales’ series of talks, exploring the darker, stranger, and more unusual stories from history and our Collections.
Please note: There will be no refreshments available at the talk. There are toilets located within the Glass Classroom. We request that you park in the Enginuity car park, standard parking charges apply.
Please park at the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron car park. Parking will be chargeable at standard rates.
PASS PLUS holders and Friends of IGMT can park in our IGMT car park for free when attending this event by validating their PASS PLUS at the front desk when they arrive.

Sign up to our mailing list
Register your email with us and we’ll keep you up-to-date with news, events and offers.