Halloween Research & Collector Resources
A curated collection of useful websites, articles, interviews and historical resources for collectors and anyone interested in old Halloween.
This page began as an HCS reference list assembled during the Society's early years. It has now been cleaned up and reorganized so outdated, duplicate and unlinked entries do not get in the way of the resources that are still useful.
A Note About Halloween History
Halloween historian and author Lesley Bannatyne offered HCS an important reminder when this resource list was originally assembled: popular accounts of Halloween history are not always completely accurate, and historical understanding changes as new research comes to light.
For that reason, HCS encourages readers to compare sources, pay attention to evidence and publication context, and treat overly tidy origin stories with appropriate caution.
Vintage Halloween Collecting
Auction Daily interview covering vintage categories, collecting history, rarity and the market.
Vintage Halloween Collectibles Cast a Spell on Collectors
Antique Trader's in-depth discussion with collector and author Mark Ledenbach.
10 Best Halloween Collectibles of All Time
A look at notable pieces from Mark Ledenbach's collection, with makers, dates and collecting context.
Halloween Preservation Society
Halloween history, preservation, traditions and educational material.
Halloween History & Traditions
These resources approach Halloween from different historical, cultural and educational perspectives. Comparing several sources is especially useful when researching traditions whose histories have changed or been simplified over time.
World History Encyclopedia - an editorially reviewed overview with bibliography.
Halloween in Britain
Historic UK - British Halloween traditions and historical background.
The History of Halloween
Boston University - an interview exploring Celtic, Christian and American influences.
Halloween Games Irish Children Used to Play
RTÉ Brainstorm - traditions documented through Ireland's Schools' Collection folklore archive.
Interviews, Podcasts & Video
Halloween Preservation Society interview with the Halloween historian and author.
Preserve Halloween Podcast
Ongoing discussions of Halloween history, traditions and material culture.
American Pickers - Halloween Episode
A video retained from the original HCS reference list.
Old Halloween Animations & Ephemera
Vintage and antique Halloween imagery retained from the original HCS list.
About This Resource List
The original HCS bibliography contained many more links, including commercial sites and general-interest articles. During the 2026 site restoration, entries that were duplicated, no longer linked, could not be reliably verified, or no longer added meaningful collector research value were removed from this page.
External websites can change over time. A link appearing here means it was useful and accessible when this page was reviewed; it does not mean HCS endorses every statement, valuation, product or opinion on the destination website.