University Park, Pa. -- The Penn State Forensic Science Club will make visitors touring Spruce and Pine Cottages near the Life Science Building shake in their shoes, for $5 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Oct. 30-Nov. 1).
"Because of our major and the different stories we have to read about and the cases we study, we know that people can do some really crazy things to other people," said Rebecca Eggebeen, president of the club. Because forensic science majors need to understand how to reconstruct sometimes gruesome crime scenes, their ability to simulate scenarios "will make the houses pretty exciting," she added.
Eggebeen said that since the cottages are already used as settings for crime scene investigations for the Forensic Science 201 class, club members knew they would be the perfect setting for haunted houses. They will just be adding "dead bodies" (portrayed by club members) and blood.
Since people's tolerance levels for scariness can range, Eggebeen said they will have a milder option for young children and those easily frightened. The tour will include both cottages, and the club intends to make it an annual event.
"This is a great opportunity for people to see inside the cottages," Eggebeen said. And since there are not many haunted houses in the area, she pointed out, students living in residence halls won't even have to drive to be spooked.
Proceeds from the haunted house will go toward the club's spring symposium. For more information call (814) 867-2465.