Haunted Library Tour (video)
A few brave souls took a tour of the less visited, eerie corners of the Library. This is what they saw.
Corpse Flower
With its distinctive deep red stalk and fleshy smell, the corpse flower boasts a rare and spectacular bloom that occurs once every few years. And when it does, it emits a feral, decaying odor that lures its prey (and anyone who’s curious to experience the phenomenon), including dung beetles, carrion flies, and other scavenger insects that help the plant’s pollination process.
While Cal Poly Humboldt’s own corpse flower bloomed earlier this year, members of the campus community can check out the rare plant year-round in the Dennis K. Walker Greenhouse from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.
Visit the Vertebrate Museum
Skeletons, specimens in jars, and flesh-eating beetles—these things may induce the heebie jeebies for some, but for others—it’s just another day at the Cal Poly Humboldt Vertebrate Museum. Located in Science C, the museum is home to more than 15,000 different specimens from collections including a Mammal Collection, a Frozen Tissue Collection, a Herpetology Collection, and an Ornithology Collection, presenting an opportunity to learn more about ecology, evolution, and conservation of vertebrates.
To see the flesh-eating beetles in action or to arrange a tour of the collections, contact Alyssa Semerdjian at Alyssa.Semerdjian@humboldt.edu.
While some ghost stories may prompt the hair on your back to rise, this one promotes empathy, honesty, and friendship. A truly enchanting children's book with stunning illustrations, it follows the story of one young ghost, Frankie, who is on a journey to experience Halloween like the other children around him. The book is available to download for free through The Press at Cal Poly Humboldt and is also available on Amazon.
The Library’s Special Collections
Ghost hunts, UFO sightings, and murder mysteries? The Library’s Special Collections has it all. Neatly archived on the third floor of the Library, members of the campus community are welcome to browse these topics and more in the Special Collections, which includes works from local authors, newspaper clippings, photos, and even the oldest book on campus.
Student Horror Films + Spooky Block Party
Nothing screams Halloween louder than a horror film. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities on campus to catch student-made fright flicks.
In partnership with the Cal Poly Humboldt Clay Club, the Art + Film department will also host a Spooky Block Party on Tuesday, Oct. 29. In true Halloween spirit, there will be a costume contest, candy, free food, pumpkin carving, and showings of student horror films. In addition to an open studio, there will also be a Clay Club art sale, so be sure to bring cash! The event is located in Art B, 3-5 p.m., and 5-7 p.m. in the Ceramics building.
Catch more student horror films on Halloween night for a double-header film screening at the Gutswurrak Student Activities Center. Sponsored by the Humboldt International Film Festival (HIFF), in collaboration with the center, the event begins at 6 p.m. with a selection of cheesy short horror films from the HIFF archive followed by a screening of the feature film “Longlegs” at 7 p.m. Come dressed in your Halloween best because the event will feature a costume contest with prizes, snacks and treats. It’s free and all are welcome to attend.
Zoology Club: Misunderstood “Scary” Animals
Scary animals or misunderstood specimens? The Cal Poly Humboldt Zoology Club will discuss some of the misrepresented creatures that have come to symbolize the spooky season. The event, which is free and open to the public, is located in Science B RM 133 from 5-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29. Attendees are also encouraged to dress up.
For more Halloween-related events, check the Cal Poly Humboldt Events calendar.