The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex invites the public to experience a Victorian Halloween at the 1897 Poe House throughout the month of October.

All month long the 1897 Poe House will be decorated with traditional Victorian and early 20th century Halloween decor. Participants in the 1897 Poe House tours will learn about the history of Halloween and how it was celebrated during the Poe's time in Fayetteville.

Tours are given at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. on weekdays and on the hour on weekends. Admission is free.

"Mark your calendars for 'Hallowe'en Revels Night Tours' of the Poe House on Oct 19-20 and 26-27 from 6 to 10 p.m.," says a spokesman.

The Museum of the Cape Fear has partnered with the actors of the Gilbert Theater to bring this gothic Eastlake Victorian home to life after dark.

Actors will portray members of the Poe household and their friends as they prepare for a night of Halloween revels.

"We wanted to offer the public something different than the traditional haunted houses and tours at Halloween," says Megan Maxwell, 1897 Poe House education coordinator. "This is a great event for families with just the right amount of spookiness created by the actors and the Victorian decor, without all the screaming and gore. It also works for those on a budget because it is one of the only free events in town."

Visitors must sign up for a tour time. Tours will depart every 20 minutes beginning at 6 p.m. with the last tour at 9:40 p.m. Tour space will be limited to 20 participants per tour.

Finally, the annual Poe House Trick or Treat on Oct. 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. features a costume contest, scavenger hunt, and traditional Halloween carnival games for the kids.

"Learn how to make tasty Halloween treats in the Poe House kitchen, have your fortune told, and gather around to hear a ghost story," says the spokesman.

Events are sponsored by the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex Foundation, Inc.

For more information about the museum, call (910) 486-1330 or access www.museumofthecape fear.ncdcr.gov.

The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex is located on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal avenues in Fayetteville.