Stolen gold hidden in underground tunnels throughout Muskegon? Lakeshore Museum Center uncovers the truth.
Lakeshore Museum Center is ready to uncover its annual Scandal Tour Event – a mock trial hearing the case on Civil War gold and the Hackley family. As seen on the History Channel’s The Curse of Civil War Gold, participants are to act as jurors in a mysterious court case based on the real-life rumor circulating Charles Hackley. Each night, a live court assembles to decide whether Hackley housed stolen gold right here in Muskegon.
“This is one of the events I look forward to the most every year.” said Erin Schmitz, Program Manager of Historic Sites. “There are many rumors about these families the public may not know about. These mock trials give us the chance to retell the Hackley story with the added dash of drama it deserves.”
In response to last year’s sellout, a third night has been added to accommodate the crowd. Court is in session Thursday, Friday, and Saturday August 22-24. Each night will hold two sessions, one from 5-6:30 pm and the other from 7-8:30 pm. Jurors are to report to the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and check in at the City Barn/Carriage House. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. It is also recommended that jurors be 18 or older, as some of the night’s themes are not suitable for children. Lakeshore Museum Center also recommends ordering tickets early, as this event tends to sell out quickly. All tickets are sold in advance, and available now for purchase on eventbrite.
“I can’t tell you for sure whether Hackley stole the gold,” Schmitz said. “It’s the audience who determines what’s fact and what’s fiction. At the end of the night, they shall judge for themselves whether he is innocent or guilty.”
Interested jurors can contact Erin Schmitz at erin@lakeshoremusuem.org or visit lakeshoremuseum.org for more information.
About Lakeshore Museum Center
Since 1937, the Lakeshore Museum Center has explored, preserved, and interpreted the history of Muskegon County through historic exhibits, education and cultural-based programs, and special events and presentations for all ages. The Center is comprised of multiple sites and buildings including the Hackley & Hume Historic Site, the Fire Barn Museum, and the Scolnik House of the Depression Era.