Come join us at Octagon Hall Museum in Franklin, Kentucky to celebrate the life of Museum Director Barry “Bear” Gaunt who passed away Jan. 13, 2025. Barry touched the lives of many over the years in his position at Octagon Hall, as well as in the supernatural and spiritual fields.
To honor his legacy, Octagon Hall Museum will host BearCon 2026 the weekend of May 22-23. BearCon 2026 will kick off with “Beartime Stories Around the Fire” on Friday, May 22 from 6:30pm-11pm. Guests can share their memories of Barry and watch the skies and property for UFO’s, strange lights that can’t be explained, paranormal activity, and maybe even a Bigfoot sighting. Some of the event guest speakers will be present and you will have a chance to ask questions and get to know them in a smaller setting.
On Saturday, May 23, vendors, guest speakers and tours of Octagon Hall Museum will begin. In addition, Southern Spiritual Messenger Angel Leigh will host a Gallery Reading from 4pm-6pm at the Simpson County Historical Society in Franklin, Kentucky.
Speakers from all over the country in the supernatural, spiritual, historical preservation, and metaphysical communities will be gathering to celebrate his life and share their knowledge in their respective fields.
Speakers include:
•Dave Spinks – a veteran paranormal investigator, author, Cryptid investigator and haunted location owner, will be speaking and selling his books.
•Miranda Young “Ghost Biker” as well as Dr. Kris Sumner “Soul Sisters Paranormal” will be speaking about their experience as investigators, paranormal tourism, and historical preservation. Young and Sumner are co-owners of History, Highways, and Haunts, LLC and operate the Historic Scott County Jail in Huntsville, Tennessee as well as other endeavors.
•Serenity Jenny – M.Ed., LPC, NCC, Celestial Counselor, Spiritual Healer/Celestial Shaman, Psychic Medium, Karuna Holyfire RMT, and author will speak and offer private readings.
•Franklin native Billy Wilkerson will give a presentation on ground-penetrating radar and his accomplishments in the historical field and paranormal using this ground-seeking equipment.
Visit www.octagonhallmuseum.com or www.soulonblaze.com to purchase tickets for added attractions and general admission. Tickets will be available at gate for general admission (cash only) May 23, 2026. For more information contact Beth Allen at 270-266-1294 or email octagonhallmuseum@gmail.com
Event Details
May 22, 2026 – 6:30pm-11pm CST – Beartime Stories Around the Fire – Ticketed Attraction
May 23, 2026 – 10am-5pm CST – Vendors, Guest Speakers, and Historic Tours of Octagon Hall Museum – General Admission Tickets
May 23, 2026 – 4pm CST – Added Ticketed Attraction – Gallery Reading with Southern Spiritual Messenger Angel Leigh at Simpson County Historical Society, 207 N. College Street, Franklin, Kentucky 42134.
-by Beth Allen
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