Event—Public Programming

Forbidden Newberry

Forbidden Newberry will showcase a spine-chilling selection of items, handpicked to get you in the Halloween spirit. Enjoy two exclusive presentations on our collections, plus seasonal drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Join us for a haunting night of history!

This year Forbidden Newberry is bringing out the spookiest and scariest items from our library collections. We're excited to present two spine-tingling talks:

Memento Mori: Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts, Dr. Suzanne Karr Schmidt, will reveal morbid reminders of mortality as she breathes new life into “the dance of death.”

    El Día de Muertos: Traditions of Celebration and Remembrance: Ayer Librarian and Assistant Curator of American Indian and Indigenous Studies, Analú López, will share how Día de Muertos has been joyfully celebrated across time and place to welcome back the spirits of loved ones.

    This eerie event is hosted by Newberry Next Chapter. Tickets are $25 for current Next Chapter members and $40 for non-members. Each ticket includes entrance to both presentations, two drink tickets, hors d’oeuvres, and Newberry giveaways/spooky surprises.

    Costumes are optional, so come as you are. Join us, if you dare.

    For more information about Next Chapter, please contact Rob Onorato, Director of Individual Giving, at (312) 255-3599 or onorator@newberry.org.


    Get in the spirit by viewing the spooky Halloween page created by our Digital Collections team!