Fireside Folklore, Tales After Dark

October 26-31, 2026 | Abington Library Series

Fireside Folklore, Tales After Dark

Spend the week exploring ghost stories, legends, superstitions, and traditions that have been passed down for generations. The event will feature presentations by folklorists Dr. Gregory Hansen and author Mindy Hudson-Campbell along with faculty who celebrate the rich storytelling traditions of Arkansas and the South. Throughout the week, students and community members can also take part in creative contests, special programs, and activities that celebrate the stories that continue to shape our culture. Whether you are interested in haunted history, local legends, or the art of storytelling, there is a place for you around the campfire.

Oct. 26 - The Stories We Tell: The History and Mystery of Urban Legends

What makes a story unforgettable, and why do some legends continue to haunt us for generations? Join us on Monday, October 26, at 10 a.m. in the Abington Library Main Room for a fascinating exploration of the history, mystery, and enduring appeal of urban legends! ASU-Beebe faculty members Professor Blake Bell, Professor Korey Davis, Dr. Lisa Floryshak, and Dr. Amber Bramlett will lead an interdisciplinary discussion examining how urban legends reflect the fears, beliefs, humor, and history of the communities that share them. From familiar tales and the chilling stories found in Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark to local legends surrounding the Beebe Blackbirds, Princess Hall, and the Owen Center Theatre, this engaging panel will uncover the stories that shape our culture and keep us wondering what's fact, what's fiction, and what might be lurking somewhere in between. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the mysteries behind the stories we tell!

Oct. 27 - History, Legends, and Ballads of Belle Gunness

Uncover the chilling true story of one of America's earliest known female serial killers! Join us on Tuesday, October 27, at 9 a.m. in the Abington Library Main Room as Dr. Gregory Hansen, Professor of Folklore at Arkansas State University, explores the mysterious life and dark legacy of Belle Gunness. From her immigration from Norway to the disturbing discoveries at her Indiana farmstead, Gunness became the center of a murder investigation that ended in a suspicious 1908 fire and questions that remain unanswered more than a century later. Known by chilling names such as "Hell's Belle," "Lady Bluebeard," and "The Black Widow," her story has inspired generations of legends, ballads, plays, and creative works. Discover how this notorious figure became a lasting part of American folklore and explore the fascinating intersection of history, mystery, and storytelling. Don't miss this captivating presentation!

Oct. 28 - Swallowed Gum, Batman Smells, and Bloody Mary: The Folklore We Didn't Know We Knew...

Remember being told that swallowed gum stays in your stomach for seven years, singing that Batman smells, or daring your friends to say “Bloody Mary” into a mirror? But where did these childhood stories come from, and how did we all seem to know them? Join us on Wednesday, October 28, at 10 a.m. in the Abington Library Main Room as Professor Cindy Beck, Associate Professor of English at ASU-Beebe, takes us on a fun, interactive, and nostalgic journey through the strange beliefs, silly songs, spooky rituals, and unforgettable legends we passed from kid to kid. Discover how these familiar childhood traditions became part of our shared folklore, how they evolved over time, and what they reveal about the power of storytelling. Come ready to reminisce, share your own childhood memories, and rediscover the folklore you didn't even know you knew!

Oct. 29 - Headless Horseman of Booger Holler and Other Dover Tales

Mysterious lights, haunted places, and legendary local characters—what secrets are hiding in the hills of Arkansas? Join us on Thursday, October 29, at 10 a.m. in the Abington Library Main Room as author Mindy Campbell Hudson brings the fascinating folklore of Dover, Arkansas, to life! Drawing from her book, The Headless Horseman of Booger Holler and Other Dover Tales, Hudson will take audiences on a captivating journey through local mysteries, firsthand accounts, and unforgettable stories that have been passed down through generations. From the unexplained Dover Lights to the legendary Headless Horseman of Booger Holler, discover how these tales reflect the history, traditions, and everyday lives of the people who call the Dover area home. A retired English instructor at Arkansas Tech University and lifelong collector of local stories, Hudson will share her passion for preserving the unique legends that make Arkansas folklore so memorable. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the mysteries, meet the characters, and uncover the stories that keep our local history alive!

Oct. 30 - The Phantom Hitchhiker: One Story, Many Roads

A mysterious stranger appears along a lonely road, accepts a ride, and vanishes without a trace. But where did this chilling tale originate, and why has it haunted generations of storytellers? Join us on Friday, October 30, at 10 a.m. in the Abington Library Main Room as Dr. Amber Bramlett, Associate Professor of Education at ASU-Beebe, takes us on a spine-tingling journey through the history and mystery of "The Vanishing Hitchhiker," one of America's most enduring urban legends! Drawing from the research of renowned folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand, Dr. Bramlett will explore how this supernatural tale has traveled from the days of horse-drawn carriages to modern highways, evolving through superstition, oral tradition, and local history. From haunting accounts across the country to chilling versions rooted right here in Arkansas, discover how one mysterious story has taken countless twists and turns while continuing to captivate audiences for more than a century. Buckle up for a fascinating exploration of folklore, mystery, and the stories that follow us down every road!

Student Activities

Join Us in The Analog Room - Every Day During Folklore Week in Abington Library

No Tech Needed! Step away from the screen and spend some time in The Analog Room, a special Folklore Week space in Abington Library. Stop by throughout the week for hands-on activities and creative fun. This is for Teachers, Staff and Students!

Monday — Folklore-Themed Junk Journaling (Starting Monday and continuing throughout the week based on need)
Create your own folklore-inspired junk journal page using vintage papers, images, ephemera, and other materials.

Tuesday — Urban Legend Postcard Station
Participants choose a local or classic urban legend and create a vintage-style postcard inspired by it.

Wednesday — Design a Cryptid
Draw and name an original Arkansas cryptid, then describe where it lives and what witnesses claim to have seen.

Thursday — Learn the “Thriller” Dance
It’s close to midnight! Learn the iconic choreography from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” No dance experience required.

Friday — Costumes & Coffee
End Folklore Week with costumes and coffee! Come dressed for the occasion, grab a cup of coffee, and celebrate a week of legends, lore, and spooky stories.

There will also be an interactive board of ASU-Beebe themed lore and haunted tales!

Important Info

All of the sessions and activities for Fireside Folklore are FREE, open to the public, and will take place inside the Abington Library on the ASU-Beebe campus.