SEATTLE — Halloween revelers in search of a slice of local haunted history need look no further: Seattle's Georgetown Morgue is leveraging its gruesome past to offer authentic scares in order to give back to the community.
Owner Scott Kolling believes the morgue itself is truly haunted, and not just by paid actors covered in fake blood.
"It is scary," Kolling said. "We've had some bad things happen here at the morgue."
The building's alleged dark history dates back to the early 20th century. A pair of brothers purchased the building in the 1930s. It would then go on to become the site of thousands of cremations and funeral preparations. Kolling told KING 5 one of the building's owners also died there.
"One of the [building's] smokestacks fell over and one of the brothers died," Kolling said.
The internet alleges the morgue was also the site of numerous other tragic deaths and freak occurrences over the decades, although there is little concrete evidence.
"The bad news is we've had some bad things happen here," Kolling said. "The good news is, we've got a great event and we're actually able to help some local charities out."
In years past, the Georgetown Morgue has held blood drives and other fundraisers. This year, the morgue is collecting food donations for Northwest Harvest on Sundays.
"It's that time of year when we know folks need it, and we can give back that way with our event, and it works out pretty slick," Kolling said.
Revelers can get tickets for a discounted price on Sundays if they donate four cans of food to the drive. The haunted house also partners with the nonprofit, Don't Be a Monster, a bullying prevention program.
Kolling encourages everyone to get out and enjoy Halloween activities, many of which are struggling during the pandemic.
"Get out and support your local attractions for sure, because they all put a lot of their heart and soul into these places and after the pandemic last year any kind of seasonal event, pumpkin patch, we all could use a hand, so come out and see us, we're ready," Kolling said.
The attraction will be open through Nov. 6. Tickets are on sale for specific dates and times on the attraction's website.