Mount Holyoke College student Estella Truong, Class of 2027, combines technology, storytelling, and history for the Museum’s family-friendly Halloween tradition
 

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — This Halloween, visitors to Strawbery Banke Museum may want to take a second look at the windows and doorways of the historic Puddle Dock neighborhood.

New ghostly figures will make unexpected appearances during Ghosts on the Banke, the Museum’s family-friendly Halloween event taking place Oct. 16–17 and 22–23, 2026. The projections are the work of Strawbery Banke intern Estella Truong, a Mount Holyoke College student in the Class of 2027, who spent the summer developing a series of immersive illusions specifically for the Museum’s historic landscape.

Using a technique known as reverse, or rear projection, a projector is placed behind a transparent screen to create the illusion of a figure appearing within a window, doorway, or other darkened space. Unlike a hologram, the effect uses carefully filmed and edited video to make ghostly figures appear to move naturally within their surroundings.

Throughout the event, the projections will complement the Museum’s costumed roleplayers, adding another layer of playful uncertainty to the evening. Guests may spot spirits in windows, doorways, gates, and along darkened pathways between the historic houses.

Truong began the project by researching rear-projection technology, including projector placement, projection materials, lighting, and techniques for safely installing equipment indoors and outdoors. She then worked with Museum staff to develop characters and select costumes that complemented the history and atmosphere of each location.

Museum staff members and fellow interns served as performers, many with no previous acting experience. To help them feel comfortable, Truong developed simple personalities and backstories for each ghost, then guided performers with prompts and movement suggestions rather than rigid scripts.

After filming, Truong used color grading, lighting effects, and editing techniques inspired by classic theatrical illusions, including Pepper’s Ghost, to transform the footage into figures that appear to float within the historic neighborhood.

“I loved getting to combine technology, creativity, and storytelling in a way that feels so specific to Strawbery Banke,” said Truong. “It was really rewarding to take the project from the initial research and experimentation through filming and editing, and then see these characters come to life in the Museum’s historic spaces. I was excited to explore projection as a creative medium and think about new ways it can shape how people experience the campus.  I hope the projections give visitors that moment of wondering, ‘Wait, did I really just see a ghost?’ while still keeping the experience fun and family-friendly.”

The result was designed around one of Ghosts on the Banke’s guiding principles: spooky, not scary.

One of the Seacoast’s largest family-friendly Halloween traditions, Ghosts on the Banke invites children and families to trick-or-treat through the historic Puddle Dock neighborhood after dark while meeting costumed characters, playing games, and enjoying seasonal activities. The new projections add moments of surprise and discovery while keeping the experience playful for younger visitors.

“These projections are the perfect example of how impactful summer interns are for the Museum,” said James Connally, director of events. “Our talented interns lend their skills and unique perspectives to help improve the Museum, all while receiving hands-on experience working in a professional environment. Estella’s ghost projections will be a family-favorite feature of the event, which we hope to grow in the years to come.”

For Truong, the project offered the opportunity to take an idea from research and experimentation through filming, editing, testing, and installation while contributing something entirely new to one of Strawbery Banke’s signature events.

Guests can experience the new projections during Ghosts on the Banke, Oct. 16–17 and 22–23, 2026, at Strawbery Banke Museum.

Tickets and event information are available at StrawberyBanke.org/ghosts.

About Strawbery Banke Museum