Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show
Naumkeag transforms into an autumn celebration with thousands of glowing jack-o-lanterns, colorful mums, pumpkins, and gourds. This dazzling display highlights a tradition that traces back to Celtic folklore and the legend of Stingy Jack. Learn how Irish immigrants brought the practice to America, and get curious about the connections between folklore, local agriculture, and community creativity during this month-long Berkshires tradition. – Children 13 & under get in free on select weekdays.
Self-Directed Learning
Explore the history of the jack-o-lantern, tracing its origins from ancient Celtic rituals to American front porches. Learn how Irish folklore, root vegetable carving, and natural phenomena like swamp gas contributed to a tradition now celebrated with pumpkins and candles. This video introduces the legend of Stingy Jack, the symbolism of light during Samhain, and how early settlers adapted the practice using native crops. Paired with the Incredible Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, this video supports self-directed learning in folklore, cultural history, botany, and storytelling. Families can deepen their experience by exploring how folklore adapts across cultures and how traditions shape seasonal celebrations.
What does carving a jack-o’-lantern mean to you today? How is that similar or different from how people used to think about it?
How do different cultures use light in their celebrations? Can you think of other holidays or festivals where light plays a symbolic role?
What are the benefits of passing down stories through folktales? What stories have been passed down in your family?
