Throughout history, national tragedies and major disasters have had a profound impact on beliefs, especially around the paranormal and the afterlife. In the wake of crises like the Civil War, World Wars, 9/11, and the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a consistent and notable rise in public interest in paranormal beliefs, often manifesting in increased use of psychic mediums, séances, and tools like the Ouija board. This trend is not coincidental; it reflects a deeply human need to seek comfort, meaning, and connection amid overwhelming loss and uncertainty.
The Civil War: Laying the Groundwork for Spiritualism
The Civil War (1861-1865) is often considered the starting point for the formalization of paranormal beliefs and practices in the United States. The massive loss of life, often on unfamiliar battlefields far from home, left families unable to bury or even say proper goodbyes to their loved ones. This left a deep psychological scar and a yearning to connect with the spirits of the deceased. The Spiritualism movement, which had begun over a decade before, gained significant momentum during this time. People found solace in the notion that the spirits of their loved ones could be reached and that the afterlife was not a complete separation. This period saw a surge in the popularity of mediums, séances, and eventually talking boards (which would become commercialized and better known as the Ouija board), which provided a way for families to feel close to their lost loved ones.
Vintage ad for a fortune teller. Source unknown.
World War I and World War II: Heightening Spiritual Curiosity
Following the Civil War, World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945) ushered in new waves of death, displacement, and loss. Particularly in England and the United States, mourning practices took on a more mystical quality, with Spiritualism once again becoming an outlet for grief and closure. Mediums were in high demand, offering to connect bereaved families with soldiers who had died overseas. Harry Houdini, himself a skeptic, became both a critic of Spiritualism and an investigator, seeking out those who offered services to grieving families. The Ouija board, patented in 1891, saw renewed interest during this period as well, as families sought to commune with those lost in the wars.
During World War II, the anxiety and devastation were so widespread that they intensified public engagement with the supernatural. Figures like Helen Duncan, a medium who famously claimed to summon the dead, became icons, and spirit communication thrived. The combination of economic hardship, personal loss, and existential fear brought about a longing to connect with the other side, keeping the idea of a paranormal connection firmly rooted in the public imagination.
9/11 and the Need for Connection
The September 11 attacks in 2001 were a modern-day tragedy that echoed the same human reaction: after the initial shock and grief, people began searching for meaning and connection. Interest in paranormal phenomena, from ghost sightings to spirit communication, surged after 9/11. This disaster differed from past wars in that it wasn’t fought on distant soil but struck directly in the United States, amplifying the trauma and loss experienced by Americans. Psychic mediums gained popularity as people searched for closure and answers, hoping that departed loved ones might still be reachable in some way. Television networks and popular culture also began producing more shows about hauntings and ghost-hunting, as Americans became increasingly curious about the afterlife.
One of many vintage ads cleverly using the Ouija board to boost product appeal. This ad was for Ipana Toothpaste. Credit: Salem Witch Board Museum
COVID-19 Pandemic: A Renewed Surge in Paranormal Curiosity
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about yet another wave of interest in the paranormal. With the global death toll rising into the millions and people facing isolation, fear, and mourning on a mass scale, people began turning to spiritual practices and paranormal tools to find solace. Social media played a significant role, allowing people to share their experiences and interact with paranormal practitioners, further boosting interest in psychics, mediums, and divination tools.
Pandemic-related grief has also revived curiosity in the Ouija board. As people were forced to stay home and avoid public gatherings, some found a sense of community in virtual séances or with “DIY” paranormal exploration at home. Although technology provided many ways to connect with others during the lockdowns, there was also a noticeable uptick in interest in spirit communication methods, as the pandemic sparked reflection on mortality and the unknown. From this, a robust appetite for paranormal content on various social media outlets like TikTok and YouTube manifested.
The Ouija Board and Psychic Mediums: A Historical Lifeline for the Grieving
The Ouija board, first patented in 1890, has become one of the most iconic symbols of the paranormal. Originally marketed as a parlor game, it quickly became a tool for spirit communication during times of tragedy. Whenever society faced widespread death, people turned to the board in hopes of speaking to those who had passed on. This surge happened during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, again during the World Wars, and has continued into recent times. Psychic mediums, similarly, have served as lifelines for those desperate for communication. In each major disaster, mediums and Ouija boards provided an outlet for grief, offering comfort to people trying to come to terms with their loss.
Ad for ROZA KULESHOVA, Russian psychic, ‘sees’ with her fingers, circa 1963. Credit: Fate Magazine
The Psychology of Grief and the Paranormal
Psychologically, the human response to grief is complex, and for many, spiritual or paranormal beliefs provide a coping mechanism. Tragedy disrupts our lives, forcing us to confront mortality in ways we may not be prepared for. Many people find it comforting to believe that their loved ones are not entirely gone, that they can still be reached through spirit communication or paranormal experiences. This need for closure has led to the paranormal becoming a regular, if temporary, sanctuary in times of distress.
The Role of Media and Technology
As media has evolved, so has our connection to the paranormal. Today, movies, television, and social media heavily influence our beliefs in the supernatural. Ghost-hunting shows and paranormal podcasts have become more popular, and social media has enabled people to share their own ghost stories and encounters in real-time, adding to the cultural acceptance of paranormal experiences. After major tragedies, we often see a resurgence of paranormal-themed media, reflecting and amplifying public interest in the unknown.
Conclusion: Seeking Comfort in the Unseen
Throughout history, times of great loss have spurred the desire to connect with something beyond the physical world. From the Civil War to the COVID-19 pandemic, each tragedy has left an imprint on our beliefs about the supernatural. Psychic mediums, Ouija boards, and other forms of spirit communication serve as mechanisms to process grief, offering comfort in our darkest hours. Whether we seek closure, reassurance, or a sense of connection, these beliefs persist because they resonate with a universal human need: to feel that love and connection endure, even in the face of death.
Many drive down Lee Chapel Road in Burke, Virginia, unaware of the tragic event that took place over a century ago. The echoes of a young girl named Eva Roy, who lost her life in a brutal way, still haunt the area. Her ghost, pleading for help, has been sighted by many who have heard her say, “Help me please” and “I am Eva” before she vanishes into the woods. This case is not only one of Northern Virginia’s most disturbing cold cases but also one of its most well-known ghost stories, filled with a painful legacy of injustice.
A Life Stolen
Possible photo of Eva Roy
In the final months of World War I, 14-year-old Eva Roy lived with her father, Peter, along with her sister and brother-in-law, in a small farmhouse in Burke’s Station, Fairfax County, Virginia. The community was small and rural, dependent on farming for its livelihood. Eva, a beloved figure in the town, was known for her kindness and beauty. She even taught Sunday school at Lee Chapel Church, where her father would occasionally preach.
On August 6, 1918, Peter went into town for business, leaving Eva to gather the cows. When he returned, he realized Eva hadn’t come back, prompting a search party. Tragically, the next morning, her body was found near an empty house, known as the Hanse House. She had been violated, murdered, and tied to a tree, her body covered in scratches and cuts.
A Botched Investigation
Before a proper investigation could take place, well-meaning neighbors moved Eva’s body, destroyed her clothing, and washed her, resulting in the loss of crucial evidence. With the investigation already compromised, multiple suspects were brought forward, including neighbors, an escaped convict, and even soldiers, but no one was ever definitively proven guilty. The case was marred by false confessions, planted evidence, and questionable tactics by the police, leaving the crime unsolved.
A Ghost That Won’t Rest
The tragic story of Eva Roy left a deep scar on the small community of Burke, Virginia. But as the years passed and the mystery of her death remained unsolved, the story took on a supernatural element. Local legends say that Eva’s spirit has never left the woods where her life was so brutally taken. The trauma of her story seems to have bound her to the land, where she still roams in search of peace—and perhaps justice.
Lee Chapel Cemetery. Credit: Alex Matsuo
A Cry for Help in the Darkness
One of the most commonly reported encounters with Eva’s ghost is hearing her voice in the woods near Lee Chapel Cemetery. Witnesses describe a heart-wrenching cry, as if from a young girl, pleading for help. Some say they’ve heard her say, “Help me please,” while others have distinctly heard the chilling words, “I am Eva.” These phantom cries often lead curious ghost hunters and locals alike deeper into the dense, shadowy forest, but as they approach, the voice fades away, leaving an eerie silence behind.
The Vanishing Figure
Many who have traveled down Lee Chapel Road at night report seeing the fleeting figure of a girl in a long white or blue gown, standing by the edge of the road or within the tree line. Drivers have said she appears suddenly, causing them to slow down, only for her to disappear before their eyes. Some describe her as having long, dark hair, her eyes filled with sadness. She is often seen looking toward the old Hanse House or wandering toward the cemetery, as if searching for something—or someone.
In other instances, drivers claim they’ve seen her running into the road, her figure illuminated briefly by their headlights before vanishing into thin air. This has caused more than a few near-accidents, with drivers slamming on their brakes, only to find there’s no one there.
Eva Roy’s grave at Lee Chapel Cemetery. Credit: Alex Matsuo
Halloween and Birthday Visits
An annual tradition today has people gathering at Eva’s grave on the night of Halloween as well as her birthday. This is all in hopes of getting a glimpse of her ghost. Visitors to the cemetery and the surrounding woods often report sudden drops in temperature, even on the hottest summer nights. Cold spots seem to envelop certain areas, giving those who enter them an overwhelming sense of dread or sadness. Some have even reported feeling a cold breeze blow past them, despite no wind in the area. This is often followed by a feeling of being watched.
The area has also become known for strange, glowing lights. These orbs of light—usually described as bluish or white—float through the woods, flickering in and out of sight. While skeptics may brush them off as reflections from passing cars, those who believe in the paranormal say these lights are tied to Eva’s restless spirit.
The Legacy of Eva’s Spirit
The ghost of Eva Roy has become one of the most famous spirits in Northern Virginia, and her haunting is deeply tied to the injustice she suffered in life. Many believe that her spirit remains because her killer was never brought to justice, leaving her in a state of unrest. Others think that she is searching for her father or for peace, forever trapped in the place where her life ended so violently.
While some encounters are brief, leaving witnesses startled but unharmed, others have reported a profound sense of grief and sorrow after encountering her spirit. Paranormal investigators who have explored the area claim to have recorded EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) of a young girl’s voice, matching the description of those who have heard her in the woods. These recordings often include cries for help, along with faint whispers that are difficult to decipher.
For ghost hunters, thrill-seekers, and locals alike, Eva Roy’s story serves as a tragic reminder of a life cut short, with her restless spirit forever wandering the woods in search of the justice that never came.
To learn more about this chilling story and other hauntings in the area, pick up a copy of my book, Haunted Northern Virginia, published by The History Press. Immerse yourself in the ghostly lore and history that still lingers in the region. Available now for purchase on Amazon. (Note: This is an affiliate link. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it, at no additional cost to you.)
In the world of paranormal investigation, enthusiasts and professionals are drawn by the mystique of the unknown. Exploring haunted locations, analyzing mysterious penomena, and attempting to uncover evidence of the supernatural can be both exciting and intellectually stimulating. However, amidst the excitement, there lies a significant pitfall: the temptation to embrace absolutes in our analysis.
What’s the Problem?
Absolutes, like declaring with unwavering certainty that a location is haunted or that a particular phenomenon is undeniably paranormal, can lead investigators down a problematic path. While confidence in one’s findings is crucial, it’s essential to recognize the limitations of our understanding and the complexities inherent in the paranormal realm. The opposite is also an issue, especially when a plausible logical explanation has surfaced, and the debunked fixates on the one explainable possibility instead of exploring other ways to debunk.
One of the primary issues with embracing absolutes in paranormal investigation is the lack of concrete scientific evidence. Unlike traditional scientific disciplines where hypotheses can be rigorously tested and validated through controlled experiments, the paranormal often defies such methodologies. Phenomena are frequently subjective, fleeting, and difficult to replicate under controlled conditions, making it challenging to establish definitive conclusions. The ability to recreate paranormal experiences continues to be the tough nut to crack, so to speak.
Seeking Alternatives
Plus, human perception and psychology play significant roles in shaping our experiences of the paranormal. Our brains are wired to seek patterns and meaning in the world around us, often leading to the misinterpretation of natural phenomena as supernatural. Optical illusions, auditory hallucinations, and environmental factors can all contribute to false perceptions of paranormal activity, further complicating the investigative process. Many in the ghost hunting field are still unfamiliar with the various forms of pareidolia, especially visual, auditory, and tactile.
In the quest for certainty, investigators may also fall victim to confirmation bias—the tendency to interpret evidence in a way that confirms preexisting beliefs or hypotheses. This bias can lead to the cherry-picking of data and the dismissal of alternative explanations, ultimately hindering the objective evaluation of paranormal claims.
Furthermore, the paranormal field is rife with pseudoscience, misinformation, and outright fraud. Without rigorous skepticism and critical thinking, investigators risk being misled by unscrupulous individuals peddling sensationalized stories or dubious evidence. Embracing absolutes without robust evidence only serves to undermine the credibility of paranormal research as a whole.
How to Avoid the Absolute Certainty
So, what can investigators do to navigate these pitfalls?
First and foremost, humility is key. Recognize that the paranormal is inherently uncertain and that definitive answers may remain elusive. Approach investigations with an open mind, acknowledging the possibility of natural explanations for purported phenomena.
Secondly, employ a skeptical mindset. This doesn’t mean you have to become a skeptic. Instead, think like a skeptic. Question assumptions, scrutinize evidence rigorously, and remain vigilant against confirmation bias. Consider alternative explanations for observed phenomena and seek out corroborating evidence from multiple sources.
Thirdly, embrace collaboration and peer review. Engage with fellow investigators, share findings openly, and subject your conclusions to scrutiny from others in the field. Constructive criticism and diverse perspectives can help refine your methodology and enhance the credibility of your research.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, while the temptation to embrace absolutes in paranormal investigation may be strong, it’s essential to exercise caution and humility in our pursuit of the unknown. By acknowledging the inherent uncertainties, embracing skepticism, and fostering collaboration, we can elevate the standards of paranormal research and approach the mysteries of the unseen with integrity and perhaps, credibility.
It’s the middle of the night, and you’re lying in bed, stressing out about the next workday with looming deadlines and an overbearing boss. As you attempt to sleep, you open your eyes in the darkness of your bedroom, and that’s when you see it.
You observe a disfigured shape in the corner, staring back at you. But that’s not all; the shape resembles a woman dressed in Victorian clothing, and her face is disfigured. The sight of this entity frightens you, and you move back as fast as you can. As you do so, the disturbing figure glides towards you and just stares at you.
Two possibilities might explain what’s happening. One, you’re being haunted by the Victorian woman.
Two, you might be in the early stages of losing your eyesight.
What is Charles Bonnet Syndrome?
The scenario described above is one of the common scenarios experienced by people who suffer from Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS). It is a condition that is associated with visual hallucinations that occur during sight loss. What stands out the most with this condition is that the people who suffer from these hallucinations are mentally sound. CBS has also been called “phantom vision” or “ghost vision” as experiences have been recorded throughout time.
The Syndrome was first studied in 1760 by Swiss scientist Charles Bonnet (BON-ay). He began to study this occurrence when his grandfather started experiencing visual hallucinations after he developed cataracts. The hallucinations included visions of people, carriages, birds, and buildings, which could only be seen by his grandfather. These visions were spontaneous and were seen in what was left of his eyesight.
Bonnet also noticed that his grandfather was mentally sound and was not experiencing any symptoms associated with mental illnesses.
Some people have reported seeing disembodied gargoyle heads with Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
Types of Hallucinations
Hallucinations will vary depending on the person, their medical condition, and their stress levels. Some people may experience flashes of light while others may experience color changes. Others may experience all different types of hallucinations, including the frightening images of ghosts. Some people have seen figures dressed in period clothing and moving as if they were gliding across the floor. Missing body parts like hands, arms, or even faces are common occurrences. These visions will also be in great detail, even for people with vision that is blurry.
Those with CBS have also seen incredible images like a double-decker bus going through their living room, or people sitting on their couch, kitchen table, bed, etc. They have also seen surfaces covered in patterns like tiles or bricks, even bottles, hats, or dancing children, and the visions can last from several seconds to several hours. What is consistent is that these visions appear and vanish abruptly. One of the most frightening hallucinations include floating, disembodied faces that squirm during random times. These faces have wide eyes that don’t blink, plus prominent teeth and features like a gargoyle.
Experts in CBS believe that increased stress levels can contribute to the manifestation of more negative images. The condition also seems to be more common among people who live alone with limited social interaction.
Why Does This Happen?
One of the most common causes of CBS is macular degeneration, which is a disease that causes certain light-sending cells in the retina to malfunction and cause a blindspot in the center of a person’s vision. Glaucoma and cataracts are also commonly associated with CBS.
As the eyes lose their ability to see, the brain will attempt to “fill in the blanks” for the missing information. It is the brain compensating for what the eyes could no longer see and is trying to help the person navigate through their surroundings. CBS has been compared to phantom limb syndrome after an amputation has taken place.
How Common is Charles Bonnet Syndrome?
A study conducted by Dr. M.L. Jackson of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Dr. Joseph Ferencz of the Harvard Department of Ophthalmology and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, found that Charles Bonnet Syndrome affects approximately 10% to 38% of people with visual impairments.
One of the main reasons for the vast range is because not everyone who suffers from CBS reports it to their doctor. Other factors include differences in definitions as well as historical record-keeping of the condition and the symptom-specific context that’s taken into consideration.
Does Charles Bonnet Syndrome Explain All Paranormal Phenomena?
After learning about this condition, it may be easy to assume that Charles Bonnet Syndrome explains all paranormal phenomena. That’s not the case. The condition has been studied by scientists and skeptics alike and as people have learned more about CBS, it’s very symptom specific depending on the type of person.
For example, CBS wouldn’t explain why people would encounter the same type of phenomenon at a haunted location. Also, CBS wouldn’t explain other experiences like sight, smell, or touch. But just because CBS doesn’t explain all paranormal experiences, it doesn’t mean it should be disregarded or forgotten. It is definitely something to look into and discuss with your doctor if you believe.
The Importance of Sharing Experiences
Patients are often unwilling to share their experiences with their doctor, let alone with others, because they fear they will be judged as mentally incompetent. Therefore, they don’t say anything and end up suffering in silence. Sharing experiences is incredibly important for the person going through this because it will help them get the support they need. Not only that, but it will also help doctors and other members of the scientific community gather information and data on the condition. As we know research and data collection is critical to learn more about the issue as well as move forward towards preventative treatment and a possible cure.
When people with CBS see hallucinations, they often suffer in silence/
Closing Thoughts
Robert Lanza said in his book, Biocentrism, that the world only exists because we are looking at it. What we see is a reality that is created in our heads, our consciousness. If humans weren’t there to observe the world, it would be nothing.
As people with CBS navigate through their lives seeing visions of people, objects, animals, etc, that is their reality as they know it. It only exists because they see it.
Could we say the same thing for ghosts?
Sources:
Jackson, M. L., & Ferencz, J. (2009). Cases: Charles Bonnet syndrome: visual loss and hallucinations. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 181(3-4), 175–176. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.090049
While the house that was used for “The Exorcist” may not be haunted, the land was host to Prospect Cottage, the site of a fascinating ghost story involving one of the most famous female authors of the 19th century.
When “The Exorcist” was released in 1973, it took the world by storm. The story of a young girl named Regan becoming possessed by the demon Pazuzu and the battle for her soul, both captivated and terrified audiences. Thus, the filming locations in Georgetown in Washington, D.C., became landmarks in their own right. Since “The Exorcist: Believer” is coming out in October 2023, let’s take a look at the haunting that took place on the land where the Exorcist House sits now.
While the infamous Exorcist Steps and House aren’t known to be haunted, it doesn’t stop tourists from stopping to take a picture of the cinematic landmarks. If you go up the Steps, you can easily see the Exorcist House to your left. Please note that the Exorcist House is privately owned (I can’t stress this enough), so be sure to enjoy the house from a distance and don’t walk onto the property. The House was used for the exterior shots for the movie. People often recreate the iconic movie poster with Father Merrin standing in front of the House at night in an eerie fog. I’ve heard the owners are welcoming, but take that information with a grain of salt.
Source for Both Photos: Alex Matsuo (recreating the final scene from “The Exorcist” on the right)
But what many people don’t know is that the location of the house was once the location of Prospect Cottage, owned by Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte (E.D.E.N.) Southworth. What also isn’t well known is that Prospect Cottage was the site of several ghostly sightings before it was eventually torn down in the 1940s. All we have are a few newspaper articles from the early 1900s to tell us the story.
Who was E.D.E.N. Southworth?
Source: womenhistoryblog.com
E.D.E.N. Southworth was born as Emma Nevitte on December 26th, 1819 in Washington, D.C., in a house developed by George Washington. She wrote over 60 novels in her career, often featuring heroines who went against societal norms of the Victorian era. She was also a friend and contemporary of Harriet Beecher Stowe. E.D.E.N. was one of the most popular novelists of her time. She was also an avid supporter of women’s rights and social change.
At the deathbed request of her father, Emma was rechristened as Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte, (E.D.E.N.). After her father’s death in 1824, her mother remarried to a school teacher named Joshua L. Henshaw. E.D.E.N. and her step-father did not get along. She described herself as a dark wild-eyed elf, as well as being shy. After she completed her secondary education at the age of 15, E.D.E.N. became a schoolteacher at 16.
E.D.E.N. got married at 21 in 1840 to an inventor named Frederick H. Southworth from New York and the couple moved to Wisconsin. The couple was living on the frontier in a log cabin and E.D.E.N. despised life. She had two children with Frederick, a son and a daughter. In 1844, E.D.E.N. returned to DC without Frederick, who abandoned his family in search of gold in South America.
Now a single mother, E.D.E.N. started teaching at a measly $250 per year. To supplement her income, she started writing to support herself and her children. She submitted stories to magazines, and her writing was very well-received. The editor of the National Era contracted her first novel. She eventually became one of the highest paid authors of her day with an annual salary of $10,000. She was able to step back from teaching and write full time.
A New Home and Mysterious Voice
Source: Woman’s Record, 1855
Around 1853 to the 1860s (exact date is unknown), E.D.E.N. moved into Prospect Cottage at 36th Street and Prospect, where The Exorcist Steps and House sits today. It is unknown when Prospect Cottage was built. But we do know it was formerly owned by a former French minister. The house had a Carpenter Gothic design, which was popular at the time.
E.D.E.N. was an avid supporter of the Union. Since her house was located along the Potomac River, she could see the Confederate border from her house. She also had a front row seat to Lincoln’s second inauguration and worked at Seminary Hospital. E.D.E.N. also lets the hospital use her house to help as many as 27 soldiers to recover from their wounds at one point.
According to legend, after the second battle of Bull Run, all of the residents of Georgetown were terrified of the Confederates coming in. Knowing her home would be one of the first stops for the Confederacy, E.D.E.N. barricaded herself in her house. As she stood by the door, she said, “There’s only 3 of us here, what are we going to do if the Confederates come?” A voice in the darkness replied, “There are 4 of you here and you will be fine.” E.D.E.N., her children, and the house survived and they were indeed fine.
Towards the end of E.D.E.N.’s life, the Union Station (now the Car Barn) was built next door, and the Exorcist Steps were constructed while she was alive. E.D.E.N. passed away in 1899 in Prospect Cottage and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, just up the hill. Her son, Richard, inherited the house, and lived there until he passed away a year later. E.D.E.N.’s daughter, Charlotte, then inherited the house, but she wasn’t interested in keeping the house, so she sells it. The house gets bought and sold a few times.
Prospect Cottage then became an ice cream parlor. The ice cream parlor was in the sitting room and the drawing room became a cafe. They sold ice cream, lunches, live bait, cigars, and tobacco. There was even a classic Coca-Cola sign. It became a popular spot for people to sit and wait for the street cars that were passing through Georgetown. It was such a popular spot and pretty much a tourist trap because E.D.E.N.’s legacy was still well known. People would rip off the wood as souvenirs. They would also catch the bugs so they could tell people it was from E.D.E.N. Southworth’s house.
Here’s a snippet from an article in The Washington Post, dated 1905:
The text reads: “Now the sitting-room that Mrs. Southworth planned is an ice cream parlor, and the handsome, old drawing-room serves as a cafe. On the verandas visitors sit and chat as they wait for the [street]cars. Their talk is of Mrs. Southworth, and it is claimed that they cut great splinters out of the porch and side of the house, and even capture the bugs and grasshoppers in the yard for souvenirs. Furthermore, they pull up the weeds by the roots and carry them off, happy in their ill-gotten spoils.”
The house was eventually bought by the National League of American Pen Women in 1928. They hoped to turn it into a museum for E.D.E.N. before it was torn down in 1942. The house that sits there today, The Exorcist House, was built in 1950.
The Ghost of E.D.E.N.
Source: Georgetown Metropolitan
It seems that E.D.E.N. Southworth still visited Prospect Cottage after she passed away, showing that not even death could hold her back from her home.
There’s one particular story from the same 1905 Washington Post article, which was published about six years after she died, about an Italian grocer who set up his cart in front of Prospect Cottage one day. As he set up and got ready for the day, E.D.E.N. came out of the garden to chat with him. Since the grocer was a local, he knew that E.D.E.N. had passed several years ago. He didn’t even wait to see what she had to say. He ran and left his cart and all of his stuff in front of the house.
During the days as an ice cream parlor, E.D.E.N. would frequently appear to talk to people inside Prospect Cottage. People passing by Prospect Cottage claimed that E.D.E.N. would be seen walking around edges of the veranda, wringing her hands.
The author of that article also ran into a boy. The boy tells them that he had seen E.D.E.N. in the window at night, looking out onto the street below.
Final Thoughts
Source: DC Public Library
It seems that once Prospect Cottage was torn down, the ghostly sightings of E.D.E.N. Southworth disappeared completely. This begs the question; did E.D.E.N. decide to move on after her home was razed, or were witnesses experiencing a residual haunting? Since people reported that she was having conversations with them, I’m leaning towards E.D.E.N. was enjoying the company in her home.
The haunting of Prospect Cottage is a hidden gem of Georgetown History. Sadly, it has been eclipsed by “The Exorcist” and the demonic spookiness that surrounds it. This is certainly not a negative haunting. This story is a delightful tale to show that not all ghosts are scary or evil. Sometimes it’s a famous author stopping by her house to have a chat with the new inhabitants.
How lovely would it be to have a chat over ice cream with the ghost of one of the most prolific authors of the 19th century?
In the paranormal investigation world, it is inevitable that we will run into a location where there are reports of spirits of children. While this can be unsettling to think about, because a life cut short is always tragic, it is a truth we have to face at times. Nothing reminds us more of our mortality than to encounter a life that didn’t have a chance to live.
The best way to communicate with child spirits is to treat them the same way you would when they were alive. However, this can be challenging for people who don’t encounter children in their daily lives or don’t work with children.
What Makes Me Qualified to Speak on This?
I worked in childhood and adolescent education for years. I started my interaction with kids helping in the church nursery in high school. In college, I spent my summers as a unit leader camp counselor for the YMCA. After graduate school, I spent my teaching career as a teaching artist for the local school district teaching theatre to kindergarten through 5th grade. In the summers, I was teaching reading skills from preschool through high school. Then, I was a preschool teacher for three years. I’ve interacted with nearly every age group leading up to adulthood before I eventually left the education field for the corporate life. But I’ve taken what I’ve learned and applied it to the paranormal field.
Disclaimer: These are just my suggestions based on my background as a former teacher and experience as a paranormal investigator. These tips aren’t the “only way” to talk to the spirits of kids.
First Things First: They’re Not Demons
Let’s get the obvious out of the way; 99% of the time, the ghosts of children are not demons. This is a very Christian-centric belief in the paranormal that often takes over the field. I’ve only encountered a few spirits that tried to come across as a child. But even so, it’s only been maybe twice in the 20 years I’ve been investigating. Not everyone in the field believes in the idea of heaven or hell. Don’t treat these kids like they’re evil entities trying to take your soul.
Get on Their Level
If you know the location is reported to be haunted by a small child, avoid standing if you can. Try to sit in a chair, or even on the floor, and get on the child’s level to communicate. Even for living children, getting on their level to communicate and talk to them is a more effective way to gain their trust so the child doesn’t feel intimidated by you. Standing over a child and asking questions could very well make them feel nervous around you and possibly remind them of someone who wasn’t kind to them when they were alive.
Be Mindful of the Tone of Your Voice
Some kids appreciate big, boisterous voices. If you’re a parent or a teacher, that voice may work in your favor in a positive manner. But sometimes, you may run into a child spirit that has been traumatized by an adult, and a loud voice may very well upset them and inhibit them from communicating. When I first initiate communication, I try to have a more neutral tone and volume to my voice in the beginning. This gives me the opportunity to gauge the comfort level of the child spirit and see how much they’re willing to communicate, their personality, and how outgoing they are.
Know How to Talk to Different Age Groups
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone on an investigation that’s reported to be haunted by a small child, and then it’s apparent that the young person we’re talking to is a pre-teen or older. Have an understanding of communication styles of different age groups. You don’t want to talk to a 10-year old the same way you would talk to a 5-year old. One can speculate that even in the afterlife, that spirit will reflect their age and development stage they were in upon passing.
Keep an Open Mind
The paranormal investigation practice isn’t an exact science, and we have a long way to go. This means people can make assumptions and mistakes sometimes. The way that folklore, myths, and legends can grow and evolve can quickly change the origin story for many spirits. This means that the 5-year old girl that haunts the old barn may not actually be a 5-year old girl, but instead, a 13-year old boy. Or, even an old man! Keep an open mind and don’t pigeonhole yourself into insisting on communicating with a spirit that may or may not be there.
Use Trigger Objects
If you know the location is haunted by children, bring trigger objects! This means toys, dolls, puzzles, music, whatever gets someone engaged. When trying to engage with children, people will bring different activities to stimulate that child’s mind. Just talking to people with nothing to entertain them could get bored rather quickly. Just as living children can have short attention spans, one can theorize that this is still the case in the afterlife. Depending on what you believe when it comes to evolving spirits long-term, it never hurts to try different trigger objects.
Talk About Things They Enjoy
This can apply to teenagers and adults as well. You can never go wrong talking about things that a spirit enjoys, whether it was something they enjoyed while alive, or still enjoying during their afterlife. Just like the trigger objects, talking about things like foods, their favorite colors, books, music, and depending on time period; movies and television.
Avoid Talking About Traumatic Topics
Children can sense blood in the water if you’re not comfortable talking to them, or if you have something to hide. It’s like they have that extra sense. So, when a child spirit is comfortable communicating with me, I treasure that moment and try to make the interaction as positive as I can. Talking about trauma for the sake of sparking communication isn’t okay. When you think about the living, majority of society doesn’t candidly talk to a child about their trauma, their abuser, etc. when they first meet them. Even experts in pediatric psychiatry will engage in different modes of play and other engagement methods before diving straight into trauma. As paranormal investigators, we are not that spirit’s psychologist, counselor, etc. and when we bring up a child’s abuser and just yelling things in empty rooms, it causes more harm than good. Now, if they volunteer the information themselves, it means that you’ve established enough trust with them to talk about more difficult topics.
They’re Not There to Perform
While spirit communication can be both disturbing and exciting, especially for content creation, these spirits are not there to perform for us. They’re not there to help us create spooky content. They are existing in their (hopefully) happy afterlife and doing their thing. Every time I encounter (what I believe is) spirit communication, I feel exceptionally honored. I feel even more special when it’s a child.
Final Thoughts
None of these tips are a guarantee that you will have the chance to talk with ghost children, or even that they’ll be interested in talking to you. But in a field where trauma-based ghost hunting is becoming the norm and now very popular, this is an alternative approach to paranormal investigations that doesn’t cause additional harm. At the end of the day, ghost hunting and paranormal investigating is talking to people, or at the very least, talking with something we believe is conscious and intelligent. Just as we expect spirits to engage with us respectfully, we should do the same when we enter these buildings and try to talk to those inhabiting it. If you have the chance to engage with the spirit of a child, take that experience as a gift and have a positive and meaningful interaction.
Publishing Note: This is a condensed version of an upcoming article that will be publishedin the September 2023 issue of Haunted Magazine for the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Stay tuned!
****Content Warning: This piece includes graphic details of war and includes images of the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg with corpses.****
On July 1-3, 1863, an isolated town in Pennsylvania found itself as the center point of one of the bloodiest skirmishes that is often described as the turning point of the Civil War.
One could argue that Gettysburg is one of the most paranormally charged locations in the United States, if not the world. In order to examine the hauntings of Gettysburg, one must examine multiple factors. The explanation, “Lots of people died”, is too one-dimensional in Gettysburg’s case.
Before the Bloodshed: A Little College Town
Prior to the Civil War, Gettysburg was a small college town that was founded in 1786 and named after a tavern owner named Samuel Gettys. In 1806, the area attracted many travelers and settlers thanks to the ten major roads that intersected in the town and “All roads lead to Gettysburg” would become a well-known saying.
Gettysburg’s legacy before 1863 was being the home to the Lutheran Theological Seminary, founded in 1820, as well as Gettysburg College, which was established in 1832. Today, it’s evident that Gettysburg’s legacy is overwhelmed with not only the battle, but also its ghosts.
Trauma in the Aftermath
There isn’t much discussion on just how traumatized and destroyed the town of Gettysburg was in the aftermath because so much focus is on the battle.
Sullivan, Timothy H, photographer. View of Gettysburg from Cemetery Hill. [Photographed 1863, july, printed between 1880 and 1889] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2014646001/>.
Crops, homes, businesses, and barns were destroyed. There wasn’t enough food to go around for everyone plus a short supply of clean water. There were thousands of soldiers that needed care and medical attention. Some of the wounded soldiers stayed as long as January 1864, which added more strain to the town and its economy.
Most of the local women took it upon themselves to care for as many wounded soldiers as they could in their homes in the meantime. Bloody limbs were left in piles or buried in the ground. The U.S. Sanitary Commission and the U.S. Christian Commission eventually came with much needed medical supplies and provisions.
Gardner, Alexander, photographer. Headquarters of the Sanitary Commission, Gettysburg, PA. [Photographed 1863, printed between 1880 and 1889] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2014646000/>.
The day after the battle, it rained hard. Any shallow graves that had been dug were washed away, leaving thousands of bodies exposed to the elements. That’s not counting the thousands of bodies (both dead and alive) that were left lying in the summer heat of July. Needless to say, it stunk.
The locals couldn’t get to all of the bodies right away. Wild hogs ate several of the corpses that were on the battlefield. The townspeople dabbed their handkerchiefs with peppermint oil to help manage the stench of rotting flesh of the dead. According to historians, the stench could be smelled for miles outside of town.
Treatment of the Dead
Gettysburg is considered one of the most devastating man-made disasters in history. As the devastation of Gettysburg spread through the media, photographers came for purposes of documenting the devastation. Photos were shot of the dead bodies as they were strewn about the field and around the town.
However, some of these photos were staged.
Photographer Alexander Gardner and his team of photography assistants headed off to Gettysburg in hopes of claiming his own legacy. Before Gettysburg, Matthew Brady commissioned Gardner to take photos of the Battle of Antietam’s aftermath. Gardner’s photos shocked the nation, but Brady got all the credit. Gardner left Brady and started his own gallery in order to build his own legacy.
O’Sullivan, Timothy H, and Alexander Gardner, photographer. Battle-field of Gettysburg–Dead Confederate sharpshooter at foot of Little Round Top i.e., Devil’s Den. [photographed July, printed later] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/91732531/>.
Gardner would take one of the most famous photos of the aftermath of the battle. Known as “Dead Confederate soldier in Devil’s Den,” this heartbreaking photo is of a young man in a Confederate uniform laying behind a stone barricade. It haunted everyone who gazed upon the photo.
But it wasn’t until 1961 when the illustrator for Civil War Times magazine, Frederick Ray, discovered that the body was photographed twice in two different locations. It was realized that Gardner and his assistant, Timothy O’Sullivan, dragged the body around the battlefield and staged several photos.
In 1975, William Frassanito discovered that the Confederate sharpshooter in the photo wasn’t actually a sharpshooter and didn’t die at Devil’s Den. In his book, Gettysburg: A Journey in Time, Frassanito examined the soldier’s uniform and realized that his body was moved 72 yards from its original location. The soldier was eventually identified as Andrew Johnston Hoge. This made it easier to determine that his regiment was not involved in the fighting at Devil’s Den.
With such disrespect and exploitation happening to the bodies, we can consider that this could have an impact on paranormal activity, since the remains were used to tell a different narrative of the battle. Perhaps the spirits of these men are still active so that they can have a more accurate version of their story and restore a proper legacy.
Ghost Tourism Explodes
In January 1991, Mark Nesbitt published his book, Ghosts of Gettysburg. In the book, he refers to his experiences as a park ranger and having paranormal experiences while doing night time security checks in places like Devil’s Den. He also references several others who had experiences at the battlefield and around town. Nesbitt is now known as one of the experts in hauntings at Gettysburg today and runs his own ghost tours. Today, there’s an entire street dedicated to the different paranormal tours and investigations that go through the town night after night.
Some ambitious ghost hunters will even try to sneak onto the battlefield at night and try to sneak in an investigation, which is not allowed. More publicly accessible places like Sachs Bridge are frequented by dozens of visitors nightly, especially in the warmer months.
Sachs Bridge. Photo credit: Alex Matsuo
Some park rangers today with the National Park Service will tell you that the battlefield isn’t haunted. However, according to various historians, locals have come forward to share their own paranormal experiences to friends and neighbors as early as the 1870s.
The majority of the ghost tour groups in Gettysburg are exceptional and strive for accuracy. But, mistakes happen. Intentional deceit can also happen to make a story more dramatic…just like Gardner and his staging of corpses for a more dramatic picture.
Constant Retelling of the Story
Each monument and statue on the battlefield is a testament to those soldiers, many standing where they once stood. They stand as ghosts in the vast emptiness in the field, representing the memories and legacies of the hundreds of stories tied to the battle. Each ghost story is tied to a person who was once alive, even if we don’t know their name. Whether it’s just the essence of their energy or a fully conscious apparition of that person, they are being constantly reminded of the devastation that happened between July 1-3, 1863.
There are licensed battlefield guides, books, and auto tours that tell the story over and over again. Nearly one million visitors come to Gettysburg each year to experience the story of the battle. That means that the stories are told at least one million times every year. One can only imagine how intense this energy is on a daily basis and how much it permeates into the soil of the town.
The constant retelling of the story could very well be the reason that the energy from the battle, and the energy of those who were alive at the time, doesn’t have a moment to rest. As presenters tell the story, they have their own vibration level as they go through the journey. There are emotional reactions to facts of the war. Even the regular visitor who has heard the story dozens of times will still have a reaction.
Plus, there are over 1,300 monuments on the battlefield. Thus, over 1,300 places to pause and remember the events that happened and lives lost. This is an incredible amount of concentration in one place.
Knowing what we know today about how anomalies like thoughtforms and egregores are created, could it be possible that the spirits of Gettysburg could very well have been created by the one million people that visit each year?
Dressing Up for the Role
What is also a regular occurrence at Gettysburg is people dressing up in period clothing. It’s not uncommon to see people dressed in period clothing standing in line with you at McDonalds or at Walmart. It’s just the nature of the area. But not only are people dressing up, they’re roleplaying. Re-enactments also happen in various capacities.
The tour company Ghostly Images once hosted nights where an actress performs as Mary Wade at the Jennie Wade House. During the performance, Mary recounts the day she lost her daughter. It’s an emotional performance that takes place right in the kitchen where Jennie died.
The emotional journey that accompanies the performance could also be a trigger or even a conduit for paranormal activity in locations like the Jennie Wade House. It could be why many people who visit the location feel odd sensations and emotions standing at the spot where Jennie was kneading dough before the bullet pierced her heart.
Jennie Wade House. Photo credit: Alex Matsuo
Ghostly Images also heads up the similar dramatic offerings at the Orphanage. There, they have an actress dressed up as the cruel headmistress, Rosa J. Carmichael, to tell the story of the Orphanage.
But could it be possible that the presence of people in 19th century clothing could be fueling the energy and keeping the spirits of the period “awake” so to speak? They see someone relatable from their time period and may reach out and relate to them.
It’s been often said that the lack of closure fueled the Spiritualism movement to its peak. But it also could make a strong case for hauntings by these soldiers if one believes the lore of a spirit having unfinished business. The inability to say goodbye to loved ones or be laid to rest with family, let alone be found and identified…to have their name…could certainly have an impact on the hauntings at Gettysburg.
The Sensory Experience
Gettysburg is a sensory experience. When one visits the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, they offer a film, the Cyclorama, and the museum exhibit. The film, “A New Birth of Freedom”, is a 22-minute background of Gettysburg narrated by Morgan Freeman and a few other celebrity voices.
The Cyclorama is a 360-degree hand-painted canvas that’s four stories tall and depicts Pickett’s Charge. There’s music, dramatic narration, cannon fire, gunshots, and lighting effects that direct your attention to different parts of the painting from the perspective of standing on the Union line of Cemetery Ridge. As the artillery rages on, you hear the line spoken by a Confederate soldier, “Slowly but steadily we marched forward. Every step some poor fellow would fall and as his pitiful cry would come to my ear, I almost imagined it the wail of some loved one he left at home.” This aids visitors in creating an emotional connection to the battle.
Finally, the museum’s extensive exhibit, which include artifacts, flags, campsites, artillery, and so much more.
Between the emotional and sensory experience, there is an exchange of energy occurring. The artifacts could potentially have their own energy. Add in the energy coming from the living who are looking at these items plus the emotional energy, one could argue that there’s an elevated charge to these items outside of conventional “haunted” objects. This could possibly make an impact on the energy of Gettysburg, but also, quite possibly, awaken potential past life memories as the vibrations of the artillery roars through the room.
A Case for Thought Forms & Biases
If one believes that energy can be absorbed into the stones and into the ground, then Gettysburg is filled with energy that comes from not just those three days in battle, but also the years of trauma and recovery. This energy could certainly play a role in the paranormal activity experienced by visitors including residual hauntings, emotional reactions, flashbacks, and more.
One could make the cast that most of the hauntings at Gettysburg could be created by the living. Between hearing and living the stories daily, could this be enough concentration and energy transference that we’re creating a self-fulfilling prophecy?
Or could the paranormal investigators visiting the area are so eager (and maybe desperate) to have an experience that they manifest activity? Then they share their experience with others, not realizing it was of their own creation. Possibly, then the people they shared their experience with try to recreate the experience of their own and provide their concentration and energy, thus fueling a man-made paranormal experience.
There’s also the possibility that paranormal investigators may come in with a bias. That bias could be that any strange sound, noise, or sighting is paranormal. It could also be that any activity that takes place must be coming from the events of 1863 because of the location.
Conclusion
With the constant storytelling, people dressed in period clothing, and investigators looking for spirits to talk to, I truly think that most of the activity relating to the battle is residual. Meaning, it’s like a broken record player replaying a moment repeatedly.
There is a strong possibility there are conscious spirits from the battle still residing in the area. The hauntings of Gettysburg are some of the most staggering cases of paranormal activity. There are multiple layers to the paranormal activity, which means that researchers and investigators must consider their approach on a case-by-case basis.
It’s hard to determine what causes the activity at Gettysburg. But one thing we could agree on is that all of the factors noted do not allow the energy to rest. They’re constantly being woken up and kept awake, much like a baby waking up their parents.
Bodies disappear, but these spirits remain. It was a tremendous loss that we still feel the vibrations of today. For decades after the battle, it was said that the land itself cried out in anguish.
If you listen carefully, you may still hear it cry today.
Every human you encounter has their own life story, wishes, loves, desires, dislikes, the whole bit. Every human you meet has had certain life experiences that have shaped them into who they are up to that moment you meet them. They each have their own identity.
Psychology Today defines identity as “encompasses the memories, experiences, relationships, and values that create one’s sense of self. This amalgamation creates a steady sense of who one is over time, even as new facets are developed and incorporated into one’s identity.”
And yet, there’s a common ideology in many paranormal circles that a spirit’s (or ghost’s) identity isn’t relevant as soon as their physical body ceases to live.
Let’s go off with the idea that spirits exist and they’re the remaining consciousness of dead people (sorry, skeptics…) to explore how identity plays a role in paranormal investigations and why it’s important for both the living and the dead.
Why Does Identity Matter?
I had already written the initial draft of this blog a few weeks ago and let it stew for a bit. During that stewing time, I posted a TikTok video lamenting about how cool it would be if the mainstream paranormal television shows had more representation when it comes to diversity in body types, ethnicity, sexuality, and the such. As people started to respond, I was quite surprised over the vitriolic comments from people.
Identity is a socially and historically constructed concept. We learn about our own identity and the identity of others through interactions with family, peers, organizations, institutions, media and other connections we make in our everyday life.
Key facets of identity—like gender, social class, age, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, religion, age and disability—play significant roles in determining how we understand and experience the world, as well as shaping the types of opportunities and challenges we face.
Social and cultural identity is inextricably linked to issues of power, value systems, and ideology.
The media uses representations—images, words, and characters or personae—to convey specific ideas and values related to culture and identity in society.
As you can see, identity matters because it is who we are, who we interact with, and how society sees us. We experience the world based on our identity and how the world identifies us.
Most Common Pushback When Seeking Representation
Over the last few years, I’ve noticed this common saying that’s been used as pushback when I write about and advocate for more representation in the field.
It’s a variation of “Ghosts/Spirits don’t care if you’re black, white, gay, straight, Christian, female, male, etc.”
Personally, from looking at and researching different perspectives of investigators and mediums, one could argue that spirits do care about these things. They care because these things helped shaped their identity, which resulted in specifics experiences throughout many different chapters of their life.
No two people will have a universal experience, especially lived experiences that include encountering racism, sexism, bigotry, and the like.
This pushback could be coming from a variety of angles. For one, I’ve noticed that the people who’ve said this the most often come from a mindset where they don’t see gender, race, sexuality, etc. This comes from a privileged mindset because they more than likely have not experienced oppression because of their identity.
Why Acknowledge Identity No Matter What
But this is a problematic mindset when approaching paranormal investigations, especially if one is trying to make a connection with a spirit for the purposes of communication. If they don’t acknowledge the spirit for what they are, where they come from, and what their life experiences were, then why are they there?
I often find that interacting with people who don’t care about the things that make me who I am to be an extremely shallow experience. How deep can one actually get if you don’t acknowledge the traits that make up that person’s identity?
Spirits aren’t blank slates that stop caring about the things that make them who they are. From personal experience and talking with other investigators, they still care about their identity as well as our own.
Also, identity not only affects the makeup of the person, but it also impacts the way that the person interacts with different social groups. The acknowledgement of identity isn’t an act of exclusion. On the contrary, it’s an act of inclusion and acceptance.
The Nature of Collecting Data vs. Experiencing
Even if one is going into a haunted location to document and collect data, there is still a whole other side of the coin; there’s usually some sort of interaction that happens in some aspect in an investigation. Usually this is in the form of the investigator trying to start a conversation.
While yes there have been reports of phenomena occurring while no one was trying to actively engage them, if we look at the context of those incidents, usually there was a topic being discussed that resonated with the spirit.
What resonates with spirits is directly connected to their identity. Maybe it resonates because it’s a reflection of how they experienced the world when they were alive. Or could also remind the spirit of what life was like before they passed away.
It doesn’t even need to be a deep conversation about trauma. It could be something as similar as a shared interest like a favorite book, song, or movie. More paranormal investigators could be asking questions in relationship to identity as opposed to asking questions based in trauma. The field seems to be heading in that direction as more people take on a more compassionate approach to paranormal investigating.
The Benefits of Acknowledging Identity
For many paranormal investigators, they got into the field because they either wanted to have a paranormal experience or get documentation of one. It’s not unheard of for an investigator to be in this field to prove the existence of the afterlife as well. When I started Queer Ghost Hunters on YouTube, I started noticing that the investigators would share their own backgrounds and their stories to show the spirits that they were safe to talk to and they were creating a safe space where the spirit can simply exist.
When the paranormal investigator shares their experiences and takes ownership of their identity, it’s beneficial not only for the spirits, but also their fellow investigators. Sharing similar lived experiences based on identity can help build trust and create a connection between the living and the dead that could potentially create more meaningful interactions.
Those who have experienced oppression because of their identity tend to veer towards the importance of it and they are eager to acknowledge and validate that spirit’s identity. They see the importance of acknowledging a spirit’s identity, whether that is their gender, race, or sexuality. Depending on the context of the time period for that spirit, they may have had their life end because of their identity.
Final Thoughts
Let’s return to the pushback mentioned earlier, “Ghosts/Spirits don’t care if you’re black, white, gay, straight, Christian, female, male, etc.”
The big question would be if the people saying this care about their own identity right now? Do they care about the identity of others? If the former is yes, and the latter is no, then there’s a lesson in compassion and empathy that still needs to be learned by these individuals. When I hear someone say that their faith is important to them, I point out that their faith is an integral part of their identity. If they are married, their spouse is an important part of their identity. Same if they have children, friends from different social circles, it’s all important.
So when someone says that spirits wouldn’t care about identity, I simply say that if the living care, then certainly the dead do as well.
Finally, these concepts aren’t just for spirits. These are critical things to think about as we navigate social relationships within the paranormal community. Acknowledging identity in the field is a step towards representation in the field, and it can help create that inclusive space where everyone can truly feel welcome.
For decades, it has been typical to see paranormal investigators walk into a haunted location and immediately start provoking and saying things that could be extremely traumatizing to not only spirits and ghosts, but also the living. Is it really necessary to do this in order to get a response during a paranormal investigation? What if this the best way to try to communicate with spirits? Is there another way to go about it?
Personal Experience
I had a TikTok recently that went viral where I shared a (very) short version of the One Bed Over: A Hospital Haunting story. This was the incident of the spirit attachment I dealt with after my car accident on New Year’s Eve 2005. I shared my story with the TV show “Haunted Hospitals” and wrote the book. Telling this story became a healing experience for me, and overall, I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to share it.
Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of interviews on different podcasts and radio shows about the story. But in the past few months, I found myself experiencing more PTSD incidents since telling the story more frequently. Nightmares, panic attacks, flashbacks, they were all coming back with a vengeance.
How Do the Spirits Feel?
Why do I bring this up? Because talking about this traumatic chapter in my life just a few times per month has really sparked some responses in my body and soul that’s made me identify the need to step back.
Yet, what about the ghosts that we try to connect with in haunted locations? Especially locations where there was a lot of trauma and negative events in their lives? There’s a group of strangers coming in and asking about one of the worst days of their lives. Then we expect the spirits to pour out their heart and souls to us, a bunch of strangers, without building rapport or trust. And some of these places see traffic on a daily basis.
Besides a location not being haunted, perhaps this might be a reason that paranormal investigators are met with silence? Or worse, they end up being physically assaulted. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve encountered this on the field. But then, a simple subject change will change the activity levels towards a more positive environment. That simple subject change is compassion and empathy.
Example: The USS North Carolina
In 2018, I did my first paranormal investigation at the Battleship North Carolina (also known as the USS North Carolina). I had been investigating for quite a while up until this point. I wanted to dive deeper into the hauntings of this location besides traditional ghost hunting. Taking a page from John Sabol’s Ghost Excavation method, I had my team members (all female identifying) dress in period clothing. Justifying our presence on the ship would be a bit challenging. This is because civilian women on the ship wasn’t necessarily the norm back in the Battleship’s prime.
So we took on a more flirtatious approach as women looking for sailors to take us out on a night on the town. This included contextual flirting, dancing, and all sorts of shenanigans from the 1940s. Yet, when we tried to steer the conversation towards World War II, and more specifically, Pearl Harbor, we were met with absolute silence. But if we brought up drinks and dancing, our equipment would respond and we got more activity on our recording equipment. Simply put, they weren’t interested in talking to us about a tough topic. To be fair, most of the World War II vets I knew (especially my grandpa) didn’t talk about the war, especially with women.
Example: Trivette Clinic
If you’ve read my book, The Hamptonville Hauntings, then you’ve already read this story in more detail. Without going too deep into the history and research rabbit hole, the Trivette Clinic opened in 1932 in Hamptonville, North Carolina as a small town clinic. This was a place where tonsils were taken out and babies were born. After Dr. William Trivette died in 1938, the Clinic was converted into a supper club and detox center, then a nursing home, and finally, a private residence. While not a lot of “horrifying trauma” happened at the Clinic, one could argue that surgery and childbirth is a form of trauma on its own.
But one of the most remarkable experiences I had at the Trivette Clinic didn’t involve talking about medical procedures at all. It was playing music. Dr. Trivette’s wife Gwendolyn was a singer who had a love for opera. I’ve always been extremely drawn to her for various reasons, and one night, with two of my team members, a series of events led me to believe she was with us. Thinking about her love of opera, I was inspired to use music as a trigger object. Trying to think of popular operas back in Gwendolyn’s time, I defaulted to “Musetta’s Waltz” from the opera, La Boheme.
Reaction to the Music
As the music started playing from my phone, every device we had in the basement started going off. The lights became brighter when the music swelled in intensity, and the lights dimmed during the quieter moments. It was like there was a reaction in the environment to the music. In my head, I pictured Gwendolyn singing to the music. Needless to say, it was an emotional experience.
Ever the debunker, I decided to play Van Halen’s “Jump” to see if our equipment would react the same way. None of the equipment went off, even when I grabbed my phone and walked around the space. I played a few more songs and still, nothing. No reaction like that.
Example: Melissa Elliott at the Cabin on 360
One of the darker places I’ve been to is the Elliott House next door to the Cabin on 360. The locations are owned by the same person, and sit just feet away from each other. It should be noted that I don’t call the Elliott House dark because of demonic entities or anything like that. It’s because it was the site of a brutal murder. If you want to learn more about the Elliott House, and Melissa Elliott, here’s some more information.
Melissa Carol Elliott was just 12 years old when she was raped and murdered by her half-brother in 1979. Just being in the house and knowing what happened within its walls is enough to give me bad feelings about the place. Knowing this, it made it hard to remove my bias. Also, it’s been said that there is a dark entity in the house.
When my team and I investigated the house, we went into Melissa’s bedroom and set up a few recording devices. I wanted to make sure to focus on things that a pre-teen girl would have liked or been interested in during the late 1970s. If Melissa was still a present entity in the house, I’m pretty sure the last thing she would want to talk about is the end of her life and likely the worst day of her life. But also, avoiding the traumatic topic could give us an opportunity to communicate with other spirits in the house, if there were any.
Shifting Gears
Immediately, I noticed that there wasn’t much response when my other two male members were asking questions. Keeping the nature of Melissa’s death in mind, plus being a 12-year old girl, she may not be comfortable around older males. Pulling out the Osmonds, David Cassidy, and other pop culture icons, it seemed we were getting some responses on our equipment.
There was a moment where it looked like there was light shining on me for a brief second. I thought one of my team members shined their flashlight on me. My team member thought my Fitbit went off. The only thing that made me hesitant about declaring it my Fitbit was that my little watch will stay illuminated for several seconds, not a brief moment. It wasn’t headlights from the outside either.
Why Avoid Using Trauma
There’s a multitude of reasons to avoid using trauma in spirit communication. To be fully candid, using trauma as the first tactic to get a response is a cheap tactic. I even find skeptics using trauma to also try to elicit a response, which is puzzling. It’s like, “I don’t believe you exist but I’m going to exploit your trauma anyway.” Some of the best skeptics who investigate still respect the space and the people who once lived there.
By avoiding the use of trauma, you earn trust not only with the potential spirit you’re trying to communicate with, but also with the group in your company. I think we often forget that if we use trauma to elicit a response, we risk upsetting our fellow investigators who may have a personal connection with similar trauma.
When we use trauma, it’s often a very generic approach with broad questions that don’t go any deeper. Also, using trauma right away forces the investigator to go in with a certain bias. They may assume that the house being haunted is haunted by the spirits tied to specific history and so they laser point on that traumatic event. Meanwhile, they miss out on meaningful communication with an entity that’s either not tied to that specific history, or they don’t want to talk about it.
So What Should We Talk About?
For the socially awkward like myself, coming up with topics to talk about with spirits can be tricky. I can’t even do small talk with the living so how can I talk to the dead? I’ve learned a lot about social interactions from paranormal investigating, especially from the examples above.
It also should be said that not every topic will be “trauma free” for everyone. Like, talking about someone’s child to one person may cause heartache and grief to someone else who may have lost children or weren’t able to have their own.
Here’s some things to talk to ghosts/spirits about:
What brings them joy
Their daily lives
What the space looks like to them
Who is around them at that moment
Favorite foods and treats
Entertainment they may have liked (books, music, movies, television)
Recipes
Games
Here are a few more topics to explore, but may have trauma associated with them:
Religion (favorite hymns, Bible verses, etc.)
Were they in love?
Did they have children?
In reality, any point mentioned could bring up trauma. But in this case, the intention is different. Without diving too deep into intent vs. impact, there is a difference between going into a space with the intention of using trauma to provoke a spirit and trying to talk a spirit about something that may have made them happy and you upset them by accident.
This list is just a starting point. What’s great about this list is that you can keep it generic enough to help you pinpoint the historical and societal context of the entity you’re talking to. I like to call this method, “Start Big, Go Small.” Start with a broader topic, and use the responses to get more granular to help pinpoint the person you’re talking to and where they’re from.
Final Thoughts
We don’t need to provoke or say upsetting things during a paranormal investigation in order to get a response. If anything, we could get even better data and evidence by not going the route of provocation.
I see a shift happening in the paranormal investigation community where we are veering away from using trauma as a talking point. This makes me very optimistic for the future of the paranormal. Unfortunately, paranormal media has yet to catch up. It continues to default to trauma as a way to get a response from spirits. Not all television shows are like this (shout out to “Kindred Spirits”), but most of them do this. It’s not terribly surprising since the focus of most TV shows is to get that spooky evidence and then move on to the next location, leaving a mess of shattered feelings and trauma behind.
On Friday, October 21st, 2022, Netflix released their newest paranormal reality series, 28 Days Haunted. Based on a theory by the late Ed and Lorraine Warren that it takes about 28 days to pierce the veil into the other side, three teams take residence in three different haunted locations for that duration.
As a paranormal researcher and investigator (or even ghost hunter), I’m not the biggest fan of paranormal reality television. It’s unrealistic, and it’s become stagnant in the past 10 years with the same people on TV and nearly identical formatting that’s being replicated all over the media. So when I found out about 28 Days Haunted, I wanted to give it a chance. Especially since I’ve interacted with a few of the cast members previously.
Initial Thoughts: Ed and Lorraine Warren
I didn’t expect Ed and Lorraine Warren to be a part of this show. In full transparency, I’ve read all of their books as well as any books approved by them because I loved the Warrens growing up. My opinion has since become more complicated, which I’ll share another time. Also, I’ve known and worked with people who know or worked with the Warrens.
I’ve never heard of this theory coming from them, even from my colleagues who worked with them. But that’s not to say that the Warrens didn’t come up with it. I would love to see a primary source confirming this. I’ve actually heard of the theory from multiple people over the last few years who have claimed it as their own. I also can’t find anything before 2022 to trace this theory back to the Warrens. Again, if anyone has it, please let me know!
One of my friends did mention that maybe it came from the Amityville Horror. This is due to the Lutz family being in the Amityville house for 28 days. I could see that. But again, at the time of writing this, there’s nothing on paper or video pre-2022 that ties the Warrens as the creators of this theory.
Also, there are quite a few gaps with this theory that the show didn’t address. Does the 28 days theory apply to only a certain type of haunting? What about the dynamic of the group? Could the 28 days take even less depending on the people in the group? Does this include knowing the history of the location and the haunting or going in blind? I have so many questions.
Finally, I found the alignment with the Warrens to be a risky move for the show. Lately, the Warrens are coming under fire as of late for alleged fraud, as well as predatory behaviors, including the story of Ed Warren and Judith Penney. Granted, when the show was in production, these issues didn’t quite have the spotlight as they do now.
A Note About Paranormal Reality TV
Before diving into my first reactions, I want to say that paranormal reality television is a genre of its own. It’s not reality in most cases. It’s dramatized, it’s staged, and sometimes it’s even scripted. I would align most paranormal reality shows as “found footage.” Some shows do more or less of that than others. But keep in mind that these shows have to tell a story to keep their audiences interested. This is a result from research on the side of the production companies. While most of us in the paranormal community want something different, we’re not the target audience of these shows. I can’t watch these shows as a serious paranormal researcher. But I can watch it as someone looking to be entertained. I also doubt that we will get a TV show that’s more representative of real-life paranormal investigation because it’s pretty boring 90% of the time.
These shows are for entertainment purposes only, even if their audiences take them as reality. That’s the nature of the beast.
A Note About My Bias
Because I want to expose my bias right now, I have had conversations with a few of the cast members and we’re connected on social media. Dare I say that I even consider them friends? With this in mind, know that I will support my friends. It is possible to be critical and still support your friends. Also, from my own experience of being on TV, I know how little control cast members typically have over the editing and presentation of the television shows they’re on. Well, unless you’re Zak Bagans or Jason Hawes. Most of my notes is about the production side.
If there are certain things that the cast members did that I liked or didn’t like, I’m looking at it through how the producers edited it and presented it to us. The situations we saw on screen may have been completely different from real-life. As the audience, we were presented with an altered version of the events. I know this and sympathize with the cast on this.
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First Reaction
On that note, after watching the six 30-40 minute episodes, my initial reaction was that I didn’t hate it. I found the format of the show refreshing, as it’s different from the other mainstream ghost hunting shows you would find on networks like Travel Channel, Discovery, SyFy, A&E, etc. I liked the visuals when they introduced the equipment, even if the descriptions weren’t always accurate. It was evident that the producers were trying to do something different with 28 Days Haunted since it didn’t necessarily follow the same formula as the other shows.
Were there moments of cringe? Definitely. It was not the fault of the cast. That was on the editing and on the producers.
Lack of Gender Representation
After processing through my first reaction, I started to dive deeper on what I liked and didn’t like about the show. The first glaring flaw (yes, I’m calling this a flaw) of the show is that there was a gross lack of diversity. Out of the three groups, there were only two women. There was only two genders on the show, when we know that gender identity is much more diverse. The two women were utilized as psychic mediums, or sensitives. Women are very capable paranormal investigators, researchers, and technicians. Also, there was an all-male team, and I think it did the show a great disservice to not have an all-female team to balance it out.
This brings me into the situation in Episode 3, titled, “I’m Done”, that has put the Colorado team in a negative light, particular with a tense moment between Shane Pittman, Ray Causey and Amy Parks. The team was investigating Captain Grant’s Inn in Colorado. Amy, who has abilities, had set boundaries on her comfort levels and didn’t want to do any mirror scrying. The way the show presented the situation, to me it looked like Shane and Ray ganged up on her a bit. I don’t know if this happened in reality, but it was concerning nonetheless. It looks like Shane, Ray, and Amy have a positive friendship now so it’s quite possible the show skewed the situation.
How the Women Were Treated
A few things Ray said during the confrontations greatly disturbed me. This is because it seemed that Amy’s value only came from her abilities and not as a paranormal investigator. Her contributions up to the point of the confrontation seemed to be ignored. Again, I’m sure the editing of the show made the situation something different from real life. But the fact that the show was comfortable presenting this to the audience is a bit disturbing.
Also, if you’re not able to do a proper paranormal investigation or spirit communication without a medium, then you’re limiting yourself on resources and your capabilities. A paranormal investigation should not be dependent on the presence of someone with abilities.
Similar thing happened with Brandy Miller and Jereme Leonard, the team investigating the Madison Dry Goods store in North Carolina. Jereme is a demonologist and Brandy was the one with abilities. She had her limitations and what she was comfortable with as well, and Jereme tried to push her further. Then it ended up being Jereme who got the brunt of the negative energy from the spirits.
It was clear when Brandy and Amy were carrying the weight of their respective investigations. Especially Brandy when she was going in with the spirit communication and Jereme’s main contribution was to walk around sprinkling holy water. And instead of supporting Brandy when things got intense, Jereme continued to provoke the spirits.
Lack of Diversity
There was a gross lack of ethnic diversity in the case. Every cast member was white presenting. Personally, I find that unacceptable given how diverse the paranormal community is. This was a huge miss on the production company and even Netflix. That’s all I’ll say about that.
There was also no representation in different religions. This was evident with the Christian approach to investigating. It’s an old and outdated approach in paranormal television that won’t go away. But if the main demographic of these shows are white Christian people, then perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised. The assumption that if a spirit doesn’t like Biblical scripture, it must mean it’s evil, was evident. Not everyone is a fan of the Christian church and they’re not demons.
Also, it’s 2022. Can we start having a more diverse cast? Pandering to an audience that only wants to see white/Christian men is only going to work against the networks eventually.
The beautiful thing about the paranormal community is that there is diversity. Some of the most interesting things to come out of paranormal experiences and research is the diversity. If you don’t have a team with diverse backgrounds, you’re likely doomed to only see the paranormal through a particular lens that may or may not be correct.
But there was a note of neutrality. In regards to the the Connecticut team, consisting of Nick Simons, Sean Austin, and Aaron Thompson, I found a bit more balance. When Nick dug up the pentagram from the ground, I actually thought it was a sheriff’s badge or even a Christmas ornament. But I did appreciate Nick clarifying that a pentagram isn’t evil, but that mainstream Christian mindset painted it as so. Those are the moments that had me loving the show.
Othering of Spirits
There was a strong sense of “othering” the spirits with one of the teams. Meaning, they weren’t being treated as humans. Instead, they were treated like demonic entities or trapped spirits who were absolutely miserable. The spirits were presented as something to be terrified of. What I never understand with investigators on TV is that they run when activity starts picking up. You’re there to investigate, and you’re getting a response, that’s prime time to stay! Because of this, I feel like there were a lot of missed opportunities. Nick Simons from the Connecticut team did call this out in one of the episodes, which I appreciated.
Netflix
The Liberal Use of Provocation
I’m not a big fan of provoking, nor do I like using trauma to elicit a response out of spirits. So when Jereme and Brandy took this approach in the first episode of 28 Days Haunted, I was surprised that they were surprised that they would have a negative reaction. I did appreciate the Colorado and Connecticut teams having a bit more compassion for the spirits. Given the awful history of the Lawson family, I would have expected more compassion to come from Brandy and Jereme in the beginning instead of exploiting the family’s trauma.
Perfect Predictions
This is the one area I found the least believable in the show. The psychic mediums on the show had near perfect readings of the stories behind each location, even down to the names. Perhaps the producers struck gold with the cast members with abilities, but I rarely run into this, even with the more skilled psychics I’ve worked with.
Not Enough Content
I do find it weird that even though each team spent 28 days at their respective location, which would total to about 672 hours per team, we didn’t get a lot of content. Combine the hours of the three teams, that means they were there for 2,016 hours. And yet, we only got six 30-40 minute episodes. So, maybe 4 hours of content total? If my math is right, this means we saw less than .2% of the footage from all of the investigations. Granted, we didn’t see meal times, personal time, etc. But still, this is a gaping hole.
Of course, this might mean that the teams didn’t get a lot of activity other than what we saw on screen. But, it would have been nice to see those moments where there wasn’t activity, just to show there was more of a balance in the investigation process and that it’s normal to not get activity every time.
Strong Bias
Something else I noticed in the first episode was that there was a huge bias towards, “Yes this place is haunted.” There wasn’t any, “Let’s investigate and see if we can figure out whether or not this place is haunted.” Perhaps this stage happened and the show chose to skip it, which is a very real possibility. The show moves pretty fast.
Speaking of bias, I did see a few comments about the lack of a historian in the teams. To be fair, there was a historian working somewhere. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been given the information on the locations. Also, Brandy did speak to a historian about the Lawson murders.
Did the Show Need a Historian?
I also don’t believe that the hauntings in a location are always due to the historical context of a location. So, I’m not sure if having an on-site historian in each team would have made things better or complicated. Would going in with someone knowing the history and having them direct the team to the history hinder the investigation? If the historian was hands-off and didn’t influence the path of the investigation, that would be fine. I’ve always liked having one person on-site who knows the history because they can help continue the conversation.
But I’ve also worked with historians who greatly influenced the path of the investigation to fit a certain agenda. Like, if the investigator heard the name “Paul” and the historian knew there was a Paul who lived in the house in the 1700s, they go in hard on 1700’s Paul while neglecting that there was someone named Paul who lived in the house in the 1980s but they aren’t as well documented. True story by the way. I still feel bad about assuming that 1980s Paul was 1700s Paul. I don’t blame him for ditching our conversation after five minutes.
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Why I Ultimately Liked the Show
After all of these criticisms I mentioned, it may be surprising to hear me say that I liked the show. Ultimately, I had several favorite moments in the show. These are the moments that I think made the show stronger than the mainstream shows on the other networks and it gives me some hope that something different may be coming down the pipeline in mainstream TV.
One of which was Amy calling out the culture of toxic masculinity in the paranormal when Shane and Ray were trying to get her to do mirror scrying. Amy did not hold back and I actually applauded after she finished.
The locations were different as well. Given the nature of the show, it wouldn’t have made sense to send the cast members to popular locations like Waverly Hills or Trans-Allegheny. It was nice to see different locations this time around. Because I lived in North Carolina for about 8.5 years, I was already familiar with Madison Dry Goods. I’ll write a blog about that location and why I think it’s haunted.
I mentioned this before, but Nick Simons defended the pentagram. We don’t see this often on mainstream paranormal TV. I loved that moment.
Also, one more thing I loved about the show was that the cast consisted of mostly new faces. We’ve seen Shane Pittman on The Holzer Files and Sean Austin in other programs. But overall, we saw new faces to the paranormal entertainment field and I found them way more engaging that the same faces we’ve been seeing for the past 15 years.
Spotlighting Imperfections
My other favorite moment was when Sean Austin saw “CU” written on the mirror and how it was handled. Nick Simons didn’t hold back on his skepticism. We need more of that on paranormal television. The fact that the show even showed us that it may have been Sean that wrote the letters on the mirror is pretty groundbreaking. How often do we see one of Zak’s team members call him out on “Ghost Adventures”? Never.
The cherry on top though was when Sean, Aaron, and Nick were doing a communication session later, did the spirits start calling out Sean for writing “CU” on the mirror as well. That moment was pure chef’s kiss and something we rarely see on paranormal television.
Also, this show did not present the paranormal investigators as perfect people, or even heroes of the show. Although many of them tried to be the hero, it didn’t work out as such. This is a refreshing approach since the mainstream TV shows remind me of bad LARPing where the cast members are trying to be the hero of the situation. In 28 Days Haunted, we saw the flaws of each cast member because the show took a risk and showed them to us.
How the Show Can Improved for Future Seasons
If 28 Days Haunted has future seasons, here’s what I suggest in making the show even better.
Have a more diverse cast
Balance out the teams
Longer episodes
Let us see the moments where there’s no activity
Rotate the groups to see if each group gets the same activity, or if it changes based on the dynamic of the team
Have a historian available to the team to validate information but not influence the path of the investigation
Continue to bring in new faces
Final Thoughts
Was this show perfect? Definitely not. Expecting perfection, especially from a show that’s experimenting with a different approach, is only going to set one up for disappointment. I want to celebrate what made this show different from the rest of the shows in hopes that this inspires some sort of change from the paranormal entertainment industry. There’s a lot of work needs to be done. But I’m hopeful that this show means that maybe producers are finally listening to the needs of its audience instead of assuming what they want.
If we want something different from paranormal reality television, we should be a bit more supportive when someone tries to do that “something different.” Otherwise, producers will continue to rely on that stagnant format, with the same cast members from the past 15 years, and nothing will change.
Finally, I want to applaud the cast for their work on the show. It must have been really difficult to separate yourself from your families, your job, and even social media for 28 days to film the show. Also, putting yourself out there in front of millions of people to get judged and criticized is not easy. You took a risk by being a part of this show, and I do think you did something great here. This show is a game-changer in the genre of paranormal reality entertainment. It laid a foundation that will hopefully continue to encourage a different approach to this stagnant genre.
