It’s been a minute since Smile Politely covered this convention for all things history, horror, and true crime in our interview with the mastermind behind the event, Brian Ward. Since then, there have been some changes. One aspect that hasn’t changed is Ward’s enthusiasm for history’s darker nature. He notes that his interest began in middle school over 30 years ago. The first iteration of the convention began 10 years ago in Rantoul under the name “Dark History Con.” The convention moved to Champaign in 2015 and added horror to its title after the owner of the former Fluid Events Center suggested he add the genre to the title to bring more people in the door. “A lot of horror films have basis in real life bad guys,” Ward says. “So, it is a natural dovetail.” He adds the notorious example of the characters of Leatherface (Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Norman Bates (Psycho) and Buffalo Bill (Silence of the Lambs) who were all loosely based on the real-life killer Ed Gein.
When he’s not organizing the event, Ward is a current Douglas County dispatcher who previously worked in Rantoul before METCAD took over emergency services there. He doesn’t think his job inspired the convention. He will admit that if he wasn’t already passionate about the dark side of history and human nature, he probably wouldn’t have worked with convicted criminals. “If anything, my interest in true crime kind of lead me to be interested in doing what I do.” Between his roughly eight-year tenure in Rantoul and his current job in the Douglas County sheriff’s office, Ward moved to Ford County, where dispatchers also trained as corrections officers. According to Ward, most of his time spent was as a corrections officer during his time there. “For someone with my interests, to talk to people who have committed crimes up to and including murder … it’s exactly what I want to do,” Ward said. “Most of them, depending on your approach, are okay talking to you.”
When asked about the convention’s typical atmosphere, Ward stated how welcoming they are. If you’re imagining a haunted house, don’t worry. There are some vendors who might be too intense for young children, but you can easily avoid those with some careful sleuthing. Actor/producer Delilah “Dee” Hefner will be a guest. Hefner began working in film in 2020 and at just 10-years-old has over 50 film credits. Let that sink in.
The 2024 Dark History and Horror Con will feature several people in the horror scene, including John Dugan from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Rob Mello from Blumhouse’s first feature film Happy Death Day will attend again this year. Previous guest experts in the true crime space included Judith Hayates and Steve Giannangelo, a University of Springfield professor who may be attending this year’s convention. John Borowski, author and filmmaker from the Chicagoland area, will be another guest this year after a year or two break working on a project. Borowski has been a guest at least four times, according to Ward. More information on this year’s guests and vendors can be found here.
The Screaming Mad Film festival will also be back at the convention and feature horror movies and discussions with the filmmakers afterward. Once again, some films are definitely not suitable for children. Films this year include Tin Roof starting at 2:30 pm. F’D Tales From The End Times at 4:15 pm, both on Saturday. Ten other films from around the world will also premiere. Also, Saturday only, will include actors Tanna Jacobs and Andrew Byard, along with the writer/director Jarod Hussey from the currently crowdfunded film Grinners. Come for a photo op; costumes are optional, but come on. You know you want to sport your best horror-related raiment. More information from Brian Ward and Dark History Horror Con is available here.
Dark History and Horror Con is thrilled to announce its 10th-anniversary celebration, a decade-long journey into the worlds of true crime, horror, the macabre and independent filmmaking. Taking place from August 31 to September 1 at The Orpheum Theatre, this year’s festival promises to be the most spine-chilling yet laid-back event, featuring a lineup of celebrity guests, artists, authors, filmmakers, and tattoo artists, all in a welcoming atmosphere. Over the past ten years, the Dark History and Horror Con has become a beacon for fans of horror, true crime, and the macabre, attracting audiences who revel in the thrill of the unknown while enjoying a cozy and welcoming environment. As a proudly non-corporate event, we emphasize creative freedom, offering a platform for voices and visions that challenge the mainstream, all within a laid-back setting that encourages connection and community. To mark this milestone, the festival will bring together some of the biggest names in the genre. Expect appearances by John Dugan, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Rob Mello, Matthew Atchley and more.
Dark History and Horror Con X
Orpheum Theatre
346 N Neil
Champaign
Sa Aug 31st 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Su Sept 1st 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$10 to $25