Do you find old dolls creepy? Then the Chicago History Museum's 'haunted' doll exhibit is for you

Creepy dolls are on display at Chicago's Museum of History, just in time for Halloween. The dolls are scattered throughout the "Chicago: Crossroads of America" exhibit.

Image by threeart/Depositphotos.com

(CHICAGO) Forget Chucky. For me, it was seeing the terrifying clown doll in Poltergeist leap out from under the bed that began my fear of creepy dolls.

The Chicago History Museum knows that, for whatever reason, old dolls can frighten us. Museum curators have hand selected some of the eeriest ones to 'haunt' their exhibit “Chicago: Crossroads of America" in "Haunted Dolls and History Horrors."

According to the museum's website, "Each doll has shed its once playful nature and adopted an eerie persona, representing—or misrepresenting—some of the most unnerving, frightening tales from Chicago history."

What to expect

Fifteen dolls selected from the archives are hiding in the museum in strategic locations. Visitors will receive a scavenger hunt program to help them spot the dolls and understand their stories.

For example, some dolls represent famous ghost legends around the Chicago area, such as Resurrection Mary, who allegedly haunts car drivers on Archer Avenue. According to myth, she appears to drivers ask for a ride but mysteriously vanishes into thin air upon reaching the Resurrection Cemetery.

Another doll is meant to represent the "Woman in White." The mysterious "ghost" that is famously rumored to haunt the Lincoln Park Zoo bathrooms.

Of course, a creepy doll collection wouldn't be complete without a clown doll. A clown puppet, still attached to its wood cross by strings, that was used in performances at the 1933 Century of Progress International Exposition held in Chicago is hiding somewhere in the museum, just waiting to be found.

Are the dolls really haunted?

You be the judge. However, the museum explains these creepy dolls are all in fun and represent famous Chicago events and legends. They aren't "specifically associated with the occurrences."

As the website reads, "Come spook yourself silly on this scavenger hunt—but only if you dare!"

What are the details?

• The exhibit runs now until November 6, 2022.
• Tickets can be purchased in advance on the museum website, and the doll exhibition is included in general ticket prices.
• Tickets are $19 for adults. $17 for students and seniors.
• Chicago residents get a $2 discount.
• Children 18 and under are free if they are Illinois residents.

To get NewBreak stories delivered for FREE on your phone, download the NewsBreak App. If you use my link, I get a small commission (at no cost to you.)