About Columbia’s Haunted Lantern Tour
Columbia’s Haunted Lantern Tour is a unique blend of immersive theatrical and historical narration set in the heart of Columbia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2017, the tour brings the town’s past to life through original performances written, directed, and produced locally.
Each fall, guests are guided by lantern light through historically significant locations – such as the atmospheric Mount Bethel Cemetery, the oldest burial ground in Lancaster County – where costumed performers portray the spirits of real individuals from Columbia’s past. These characters share their stories, reenact Columbia’s defining moments, and invite audiences to experience history in a way that is engaging, emotional, and entirely unforgettable.
Columbia’s Haunted Lantern Tour is a living history performance that fuses theatrical storytelling with real historical events and prominent figures. Costumed actors portray “ghosts” of the past, guiding audiences through moments of Columbia’s rich, and often untold, history. The term “haunted” refers to the lingering presence of the people and stories that still echo through Columbia’s streets, not fabricated frights. Every performance combines factual research with dramatic interpretation, offering guests a night of entertainment that also educates and inspires.
The tour is produced annually by Rivertown Theatre Productions, LLC, which was established in 2019 to formally support and grow the production. Each year features a brand-new theme, original script, and fresh cast of historical characters – ensuring that returning guests enjoy a completely new experience every time.
History & Legacy
Columbia’s Haunted Lantern Tour was inspired by a beloved predecessor, Ghosts of Columbia: A Haunted Lantern Tour, which ran for several years before being retired in 2010. That original performance – created by a small group of passionate Columbia residents – left a lasting impression on the community.
In 2017, Columbia native Sara Mimnall, a former actor in the original Ghosts of Columbia production, revived the experience under a new name and vision. With the blessing of the original organizer and the support of a dedicated group of volunteers, the modern Haunted Lantern Tour was born. Since then, it has become a cherished tradition in Columbia, drawing larger audiences and deeper community engagement each year.
The “Ghosts of Columbia: A Haunted Lantern Tour” was brought into existence by the intellect of three strong-minded and creative Columbia residents and a few of their friends in the parlor of the Old Bruner Manson in Columbia.
Sara Mimnall continues to serve as the sole owner and creative director of both Columbia’s Haunted Lantern Tour and the non-profit organization, Rivertown Theatre Productions, LLC. Her commitment to historical accuracy, original storytelling, and high-quality theatrical production has helped the tour evolve into one of the region’s most unique cultural offerings.
A Community Production
The tour is made possible by a growing network of talented volunteers – from amateur performers and history enthusiasts to seasoned actors and loyal behind-the-scenes crew. Over the years, the tour has built strong relationships with local businesses, historians, and property owners who generously open their doors and contribute to the atmosphere and authenticity of each performance.
Without a permanent home base, the tour operates with the support of local partners like Art Printing, which has become a vital hub for auditions, committee meetings, rehearsals, and coordination. Columbia’s Haunted Lantern Tour is, at its core, a community effort – powered by shared pride in local heritage and a collective love of the performing arts.
What to Expect
Guests can expect a 60-minute guided walking experience, featuring:
- Lantern-lit paths through historic Columbia
- Live performances by costumed actors
- True stories and characters from Columbia’s past
- A new theme and original script each year
- A mix of drama, mystery, and historical insight
Ideal for history buffs, theater lovers, and anyone seeking something new and meaningful to experience in the fall season, the Haunted Lantern Tour offers a refreshing alternative to typical haunted houses or museum tours.
Come Walk With Us
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, each performance of Columbia’s Haunted Lantern Tour offers something new. Step into the past, hear the stories of those who came before us, and see Columbia through a different light – the warm glow of history, memory, and imagination.
Columbia's Haunted Lantern Tour 