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COLUMBIA (WACH) - Historic Columbia Foundation is offering the community unique ways to celebrate fall.

The organization has debuted two fall exhibits at the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens including their annual Scarecrows in the Garden Exhibit and the House in Mourning exhibit.

Ashley Tucker, Historic Columbia Foundation Marketing Coordinator, says the exhibits are a way to get into the Halloween spirit.

The Scarecrows in the Garden Exhibit is free to the public and features dozens of goulish, historical and colorful scarecrows that have been crafted by area businesses, schools and families. The exhibit is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The House in Mourning Exhibit features mourning traditions that were important for Victorian Americans during the 19th century. Guided tours cost $1 for foundation members, $7 for non-member adults and $4 for children. The tours will discuss the role and importance of stages of mourning during the 1860s.

"This is the fifth year we have had our free Scarecrows in the Garden exhibit, which showcases the talents of more than 30 local artisans, families and organizations who created fantastic scarecrows, located throughout the newly-revitalized gardens. Inside the mansion, get a glimpse of Victorian-era mourning traditions throughout the house, including traditional mourning dress and customs, as part of our regular tours of Hampton-Preston," said Tucker.

Both exhibits will run through October 31.

For those looking for something more spooky, the foundation will be giving guided tours of Elmwood Cemetery at the special Historic Hauntings tour event on Thursday, October 11. There is a $10 charge for adults and $5 general admission for children. Foundation members do receive a discount.

Tours run every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on October 11, but tour capacity is limited to 25 people. Click here to purchase tickets or register in advance. 

“We invite you to come explore historic Elmwood Cemetery, where stories of valor, love lost and lives cut short are etched in stone," said Sarah Blackwell, Director of Programs for Historic Columbia Foundation.