In October 2020, the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum was featured in the mid-Atlantic edition of Southern Living magazine as having one of “the South’s Best Ghost Stories.”[1] As you know, most of our efforts rightfully focus on the rich history that unfolded on our property. Since we were highlighted in the magazine and with Halloween just around the corner, we could not help but have a little fun and share some of the supernatural stories that originate with our site.
Throughout the years, we have heard of many “encounters” happening at the House. While many of these stories seem a bit far-fetched, there are a few that have resonated throughout the life of the museum and hold a special place in our history. In fact, one of these stories allegedly led to the creation of the museum itself! Throughout the week, we will try to share a few of the spooky tails of the museum.
The first story we’ll share was the one highlighted in the Southern Living article. It was a favorite of Danny Fluhart, the Society’s second president, who often shared it with inquisitive visitors. The story focuses on one of the rope beds in the front upstairs bedroom called the “Booth Room,” due to its most infamous occupant. Legend holds that despite how tightly tucked the sheets and coverlet are in the evening, a human impression can clearly be seen in the bed by morning. While some see this as the natural settling of an old bed, others see it as the spirit of John Wilkes Booth returning to the room he occupied just hours after committing his horrific crime. Regardless of what you believe, the story has been shared in several publications through the years and is one that many visitors know and about which they inquire during tours.
Many thanks to Southern Living magazine for sharing our story!
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more Spooky Tales from the Dr. Mudd House!
[1] “The South’s Best Ghost Stories,” Southern Living, October, 2020.
Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum 