The Peoples Bank Theatre building has been there for 100 years, and that’s plenty of time for history to accumulate and, according to some, to stick around.

Hidden Marietta is offering a specialized group the chance to hunt for the shades of events past in the theater Saturday night.

The organization has made the haunted side of the city its niche business, offering tours of Marietta’s oldest landmarks that have a reputation for being the intersection between present and past occurrences.

Among the shades reportedly seen in the theater are Mr. Shea, who used to own both it and the theater across the street that is now home to the Mid-Ohio Valley Players.

“That’s one of the most popular, Mr. Shea, seen wandering around from time to time,” Hidden Marietta co-owner Megan Keller said Tuesday. “People have been seen sitting in the audience area who shouldn’t be there. There’s a lot of history, and stories that line up with paranormal experiences people have had there. It’s a very active location.”

The event, which lasts a total of about five hours, is limited to 20 participants, with Hidden Marietta providing two experienced guides to the paranormal. Keller said there were eight tickets left as of Tuesday afternoon. The tour costs $40.

“We try to keep it a small group, you get better results that way,” she said.

Tour participants will check in at the lobby at 7:45 p.m., then go on a one-hour guided tour of the theater. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., they will be permitted to either roam the theater or accompany one of the Hidden Marietta investigators for a more in-depth look at it.

Equipment such as audio recorders and K2 meters, which are said to be capable of detecting eletromagnetic energy indicative of ghosts, will be available, she said.

“You can roam around on your own or join one of our investigators,” she said.

In addition to the prospect of seeing something unusual, the event also is a chance to get a look at parts of the theater, including the basement, that normally are closed to the public. It’s also an opportunity to meet like-minded people, Keller said.

“For locals, it’s exciting because this is such an historic landmark, and for visitors from outside the community, they know Hidden Marietta’s reputation,” she said. “A lot of people come to these events and end up making friends.”

Peoples Bank Theatre executive director Hunt Brawley said there’s no particular preparation needed for a small group tour, other than making sure the building is warm enough if the cold weather continues.

“They do this now and again, and it’s nice to see. I hope they enjoy it,” Brawley said.

As for paranormal experiences, Brawley said he has heard of some.

“The longer I’m here, the more different stories you get,” he said. He has not personally had any such experiences even though he works at the theater, he said.

“I’ve never experienced anything unusual, but then again I try not to spend a lot of time in the theater in total darkness,” he said.

Information for tickets is available at Hidden Marietta’s website, hiddenmarietta.com.

Hidden Marietta Ghost Hunt

•When: 7:45 p.m. Saturday.

•Where: Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St.

•What: Seeking otherworldly presences in the theater.

•Tickets: $40, book at hiddenmarietta.com.