Hollow Hill

College Ghosts – Reality and Urban Legends

Creepy stairs at a university - ghosts? Hauntings seem to have increased at colleges and universities in recent years.

Apparitions, “cold spots” and poltergeists are becoming almost commonplace at many schools.

Here’s why people report more ghosts at schools.

The media have increased our awareness of the spirit world.

Each year, new ghost- and paranormal-related films and TV shows spark fresh interest in this subject.

Researchers are making steady breakthroughs in paranormal studies. When ghosts are in the news, people pay more attention to the odd things they’ve noticed… but previously dismissed as “just my imagination.”

And, as more ghosts are noticed, they manifest more often. After years of being ignored, maybe they’re delighted that people are finally paying attention to them.

In addition, websites such as this one are able to inform more students about hauntings at their schools. Once you know what to look for — and where — you’re more likely to recognize the ghosts and paranormal activity around you.

GHOSTS REPORTED AT COLLEGES

College ghosts are reported so frequently — and sometimes for just a brief span of time — that it’s nearly impossible for us to keep our lists up to date.

In many cases, the ghost is a poltergeist and it seems to be following one student. When she changes dorms, so does the ghost.

Poltergeist – From the German meaning “noisy ghost,” this term has been in use since the early 19th century to mean a spirit that makes noise, or otherwise plays pranks… often annoying.

Unlike other ghosts, poltergeists can move from one location to another, following the person they’ve chosen to torment.

Many psychologists believe that poltergeists are not ghosts at all, but some form of psychokinesis or remote activity.

Like many ghost hunters, I take poltergeists seriously. I believe that some — perhaps most — are connected with ghosts or other spirits, and each one usually manifests in the vicinity of one specific person.

Sometimes, a college student’s ghostly encounter is sparked by a contagion of suggestion. One person convinces others that he’s seen a ghost, and his friends and acquaintances start looking for ghosts.

At many colleges, they’ll find them… perhaps more than they bargained for.

Whether or not we list a particular haunting, remember this: Almost every older college and university has reported a ghost at some time.

We’re not saying that every college and university is actually haunted, but most colleges report a ghost or a poltergeist at some point. We can’t personally confirm every story, but when multiple students describe the same ghostly phenomena… we take it seriously.

Hauntings are more commonplace than most people believe.

High levels of stress make colleges a prime target for residual energy hauntings. (These hauntings are energy — not necessarily lingering spirits — that remain in a location and can be sensed by later visitors.)

COLLEGE GHOSTS TO LOOK FOR

Almost every college that reports a haunting offers one of the following stories:

The haunted theater – An “odd feeling” backstage, on stage, or in the auditorium. Sometimes a woman is seen at the door. Many haunted theaters report the ghost of a worker or actor in the wings of the stage.
The haunted locker room – Odd noises, odors, someone whistling, or the roar of the crowd outside when the building (or field) is actually empty.
The haunted dorm – Usually tagged to a suicide (sometimes just a rumor), or one area of the dorm is considered “creepy” and weird. When there was no actual suicide at the dorm, we often find an earlier, documented event that could explain the haunting.
The haunted bathroom – This usually involves something gruesome in a mirror. Usually, it’s a female who looks distressed. Sometimes, she’s wearing evening clothes and applying garish makeup… sometimes leaving it on the mirror.

Here’s what you need to know about haunted mirrors.

While pranksters do write to us regularly, most people genuinely experience something frightening when they report ghosts to us.

This is important: Many first-person reports and “ghost stories” are true, even when they echo urban legends.

Rampant ghost stories aren’t necessarily the product of imagination or simple contagion. They might indicate an undisclosed or undiscovered history that could put some tales — and help some ghosts — to rest.

Ghost Orbs – An Overlooked Question

Ghost orbs are a controversial topic.

Some orbs can be explained as refracted light from moisture, reflective surfaces, insects, pollen or dust.

But – and this is important – false orbs aren’t the big problem I thought they were.

Unfortunately, many ghost hunters took my earlier advice.

Now I’m embarrassed when I hear someone dismiss a credible orb as “it’s just dust.”

Usually, false orb shapes are irregular.

In other cases, you can see the insect or dot of pollen in the center. It’s more solid-looking. Enlarge your photo and take a close look, to be sure.

When it’s a bug, the reflection is usually white. Pollen usually shows up as a solid yellow dot in the center of the orb. It’s not see-through (translucent).

Always rule those things out.

What if you can’t debunk it?

Some of us believe that unexplained orbs – described as photographic anomalies – indicate possible paranormal activity.

But some ghost researchers still insist that orbs aren’t evidence.

The Skeptics’ Arguments

Critical skeptics fall back on the easy answer that every unexplained orb is just dust. Or insects. Or a reflection.

That’s a convenient excuse.

When I ask how much research they’ve done with their own cameras, trying to create fake orbs, they usually change the subject.

Or, they snap back, “I don’t have to. It’s obvious.”

In the years since I wrote this, I’ve met just one researcher who thoroughly experimented with orb photos. He told me he could create convincing, orb-like images with extremely fine powder carefully blown from the surface of a credit card.

Perhaps he can. I’m still trying to replicate that, myself. So far, no luck.

But… Sure, Let’s Pretend It’s All Dust

Okay, let’s say that those orbs are “just dust.” (Important: I don’t believe that’s the universal answer.)

There’s still an overlooked question.

In fact, it’s obvious when you think about it.

Why do we see so many more orbs in photos taken at haunted places?

Why are there dozens of orbs in photos taken at a haunted cemetery, and hardly any orbs at a field just down the street from that cemetery?

If they’re both equally dusty, shouldn’t we see an equal number of orbs in the photos?

Let’s backtrack for a moment.

Ghosts and Physical Evidence

Most ghost hunters point to physical evidence such as doors that slam without explanation.

Or, they’ll talk about lights, radios and televisions that turn on “by themselves.”

Similarly, I’ve heard a broken piano play music at The Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana.

We’ve seen balls roll by themselves, pencils move across tables, and so on.

So, why is it so preposterous to think that a ghost might deliberately lift flecks of dust, to manifest as orbs in our photos?

Remember the movie, Ghost? In one scene, Patrick Swayze – as a ghost – struggles to move physical objects. Fortunately, another ghost shows him how it’s done.

But what about ghosts in cemeteries and other haunted locations? Maybe no one has shown them how to move large and heavy objects. Perhaps a particle of dust is all they can manage.

A ghost that gets our attention with a fleck of dust is no less real than a ghost that slaps someone, rolls a ball across the floor of a deserted hospital, or slams doors in an empty hall.

Debunking Ghost Orb Photos

Many experienced ghost hunters dismiss orbs caused by obvious reflective objects, pollen, insects, and rain.

Those ghost hunters have viewed thousands – perhaps tens of thousands – of orb photos. They know what to look for:

An irregular shape, not a nearly perfect circle
A solid-looking dot or shape at the center of the orb
A solid dot of yellow in or near the center of a pollen orb
A solid white shape inside an insect orb
A solid white or grey dot inside a dust orb
A brilliant white orb, usually an irregular shape, if it’s rain or moisture
A repeating series of circular orbs, usually in a line, if it’s a lens flare from the sun, the moon, or a reflective surface.

If You Can’t Debunk It

The next question should be: Is the dust an anomaly?

If you’re seeing unexplained orbs in photos taken at one location, take photos at a nearby location with similar levels of dust, pollen, and so on. Equal orbs indicate natural causes.

However, if you see orbs in photos at a haunted cemetery but not in photos at the Little League field next door, the real issue isn’t whether it’s dust.

Instead, ask why the orbs only show up in the haunted cemetery.

The answer might be ghosts.

Canada’s Poltergeists – The Great Amherst Mystery

Canada's Poltergeists - The Great Amherst Mystery

Yes, Canada has poltergeists.

The Great Amherst Mystery has puzzled ghost hunters and paranormal investigators for over a century. It’s the true story of one of the world’s best-documented poltergeists.

In September 1878, Mr. Daniel Teed and his wife, Olive Cox Teed, lived on Princess Street in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Their household included Mrs. Teed’s niece, 19-year-old Esther Cox. Miss Cox soon became famous as part of “The Great Amherst Mystery.”

Before the ghostly manifestations began, Miss Cox had been the victim of an attempted rape in a secluded part of Amherst. Her attacker, Bob MacNeal, was a shoemaker with a terrible reputation that Miss Cox had not known about. She escaped the attack with minor injuries. The “mysteries” started soon after this event.

The hauntings began with small poltergeist phenomena: little fires, voices, and rapping noise. It soon escalated to include times when Miss Cox would seem to inflate like a balloon, even to her extremities, and then abruptly return to normal size. These events were witnessed by a large number of people.

The Poltergeists Follow Miss Cox to Church

The hauntings followed Miss Cox outside the house. Once, the knocking and rapping noises interrupted a Baptist Church service that Miss Cox attended. Although she sat towards the back of the church, it sounded as though someone was hammering on the front pew, making it impossible to hear the service. Miss Cox left the church in humiliation, and the noises stopped immediately.

Desperate to find the source of the problem, Miss Cox tried automatic writing and consulted spiritualists. The primary ghost claimed, in automatic writing, to be Miss Maggie Fisher. Miss Fisher had attended the same school as Miss Cox, but had died around 1867, before graduating. Miss Cox had not known Miss Fisher, but was aware that they’d been in school together.

More Ghosts – and Poltergeists – Appear

Other ghosts came forward during this time, announcing themselves as: Bob Nickle, age 60, also a shoemaker like Bob MacNeal who’d attacked Miss Cox. Another was Mary Fisher, sister of Maggie Fisher. Other ghosts included Peter Teed, John Nickle, and Eliza MacNeal. The number of ghosts and “coincidences” among names and professions reduces the credibility of this part of the story.

Further, Bob MacNeal, Miss Cox’s attacker, later claimed that he’d been haunted for years by the same Bob Nickle. The accounts sound as though Mr. MacNeal was trying to shift the blame for his violent acts, to the ghost.

Nevertheless, Miss Cox continued to be plagued with hauntings wherever she went.

When Life Gives You Lemons…

Hoping to turn her misfortunes to her advantage, Miss Cox went on tour in June 1879, hoping to draw audiences to hear her story and make a living from the income. She was assisted in this by actor Walter Hubbell, who’d visited Amherst specifically to witness the now-famous ghostly manifestations.

However, the crowds were skeptical and easily angered. One evening in a theatre, a rival theatre-owner leaped to his feet and began heckling Miss Cox and Mr. Hubbell. The crowd joined in, and soon a riot broke out. This was Miss Cox’s last time on stage, as her touring efforts were a clear failure.

The series of manifestations continued until one dramatic event changed everything.

The Poltergeist Sends Miss Cox to Prison

Miss Cox went to work for Arthur Davison of Amherst. Mr. Davison was a skeptic, although he admitted to witnessing numerous poltergeist events at his home when Miss Cox was there. The worst was when the ghost(s) set fire to his barn and it burned to the ground.

Mr. Davison accused Miss Cox of arson, and she was convicted of the crime by an ambivalent court. Her sentence was four months in prison, but public support for the unfortunate woman led to her release after only one month.

It was as if the spell had been broken.

After that, Miss Cox was troubled by minor poltergeist events, but nothing significant.

Happily Ever After?

Miss Cox later married Mr. Adams of Springdale, Nova Scotia. Her second husband was Mr. Shanahan of Brockton, MA.

Esther Cox Shanahan died in 1912.

After her death, Walter Hubbell published a “The Great Amherst Mystery: A True Narrative of the Supernatural” and included a 1908 affadavit that was signed by 16 Amherst witnesses to the hauntings.

(Sources: Snow, Strange Tales…, p. 62; plus my own research)

This article originally appeared in 2001 at Suite 101 as The Great Amherst Mystery, written by Fiona Broome.

Ghosts and Ghost Hunters – Stereotypes and Reality

Haunted site 150w

Ghosts? Not everyone believes in them.

Oh, many people are afraid of the dark. Others become edgy when they hear unexplained noises after dark.

Let’s talk about fact and fiction, related to ghosts.

These are the three main kinds of ghostly activity:

- Residual energy.
- Active hauntings.
- Poltergeists.

Phrases may vary, but the concepts remain the same.

A residual energy haunting is a location that “feels” haunted. When something happens, it’s the same thing, every time. The activity usually occurs on a certain day or date, and sometimes at a particular time. Or, it might be activated by a specific trigger, such as when a certain song is played on the radio. It might be a temperature drop, an apparition, or a fragrance. However, it’s always the same thing, over & over again.

I usually describe this as stored energy that lingers after an event (or events) that included strong emotions. It’s like an iron that remains hot long after you turn it off. The vast majority hauntings are simply residual energy.

Active hauntings are different. The ghost (or ghosts) reacts to what’s going on when you’re there. If you talk to the ghost, it will respond or at least pause what it’s doing. (These spirits are often described as “sentient.”)

In my research, fewer than 20% of ghost reports are active, sentient, responsive hauntings. Most are residual energy. They’ll fade away over time, if they’re ignored.

Few ghosts appear as apparitions. They’re not complete figures that everyone can see.

Apparitions rarely appears gruesome, bloody, or extremely old or young. When they manifest, it’s usually how they appeared at the prime of their lives.

Poltergeists are controversial.

Poltergeists are, literally, “noisy ghosts.” When you hear about dishes flying across the room, or stones raining from the ceiling, that’s a poltergeist.

Some people believe that all poltergeist phenomena are psychokinesis (also called PK) or telekinesis. That is, the events are caused by someone living. That individual has elevated abilities related to ESP. According to this theory, people are able to move things with the power of their minds, and no physical contact.

Most people believe that the poltergeist is a mischievous or malicious spirit, acting on its own. It torments one or more people until it gets bored and goes somewhere else.

However, some ghost researchers — including me — believe that poltergeists represent a two-part phenomenon.

- The energy for the activity is provided by someone who is very much alive.
- The pranks and noises are caused by a ghost who’s using the energy of the living person.

One of the most intriguing lines of research relates to water and poltergeists. Poltergeist phenomena seem to increase around water — in the kitchen, bathroom, or a dining area where water is served. And, where there is no naturally occurring water, unexplained water appears after a poltergeist episode.

In general, ghosts can appear anywhere, but history – and sometimes geography – usually indicate why the site may be haunted.

Likewise, there are three main stereotypes among ghost hunters:

- Skeptical critics.
- Over-enthusiastic “true believers.”
- Everyone else.

Skeptical critics go to extremes to find normal explanations for events that most people would label paranormal. The stereotype is male, over 25 years old (usually over 40) and he’s annoyingly sarcastic.

Over-enthusiastic “true believers” are the opposite of critical skeptics. In the stereotype, they tend to be teens or young adults, or mature (45+) adults.

They eagerly choose paranormal explanations for events that might well be normal. If a normal explanation makes sense, they’ll bristle and relentlessly poke holes in it.

Combined, these two groups – rabid skeptics and ardent “true believers” – probably comprise less than 10% of all ghost hunters.

However, skeptics and overly-enthusiastic believers stand out in the crowd. So, many ghost hunters have to deal with these labels in the media and public opinion.

Let’s talk about reality now.

The vast majority of ghost hunters are healthy skeptics who admit that some events can’t be explained, and may be caused by ghosts. They enjoy “what if…” questions, and reasonable challenges to paranormal explanations. They never want to leap to a hasty conclusion.

Most ghost hunters believe something odd is going on at “haunted” sites.

Some, but not all, ghost hunters believe in ghosts. Generally, they’re looking for proof, one way or the other, but how they define “proof” varies widely. What seems like compelling evidence to one person may seem laughably shaky to another.

In general, most ghost hunters are everyday people. At any ghost investigation, you’ll usually find a mix of genders and a wide range of ages and backgrounds.

You’ll also find a full spectrum of opinions and beliefs.

The media and Hollywood love stereotypes. They reduce the need to explain things. Every ghost hunting team seems to have at least one cute guy in a tight t-shirt, and one member who startles easily. (The classic is a young woman with blonde hair, who shrieks at everything.)

Any writer or producer who relies on those stereotypes is short-changing the audience. While parodies are fun, and it’s convenient to simplify peripheral characters, people know it’s not real.

If you add too many “no, that’s not real” elements, you’ll lose your audience’s trust and loyalty.

If you want believable ghosts and ghost hunters, make them real people, not something freakish or silly.

8 Things NOT to Do in a Haunted Cemetery

Haunted cemeteries can be ideal for ghost hunting.

Usually, they’re free to visit, and — no matter where you are — a creepy cemetery is probably nearby.

Many cemeteries are haunted, day and night. For example, at New Hampshire’s Gilson Road Cemetery, ghostly activity often starts shortly before noon.

So, even if an eerie cemetery closes at dusk, it may still be a great location for daytime paranormal research.

With that in mind, here are some tips… sort of “cemetery etiquette.”

1. Don’t talk about ghosts with strangers.

In any cemetery, you may see other visitors. Some may be genealogists, historians, or descendants of the deceased. You may also find people who love to photograph (or transcribe) headstone engravings, or families making gravestone rubbings where the latter are allowed.

Babbling happily about ghosts may distract or even offend these people.

Many people expect respectful silence in a cemetery.

Worse, if someone is visiting the grave of a recently deceased family member, your comments may upset them. They’d rather believe that every departed person has crossed over, and is in a happier place… not lingering around a cemetery.

So, it’s best to speak in subdued tones, and not approach strangers unless they initiate conversation.

2. Avoid jokes about ghosts, the deceased, and death in general.

I’m not saying you have to be dour, but some jokes are in very poor taste.

Sure, even experienced ghost hunters can get nervous sometimes, and manage to blurt the worst possible things.

Avoid saying things that may offend the ghosts.

As a guideline, here are a few “jokes” that could irritate the dead, and probably annoy the living as well:

“Oops, didn’t mean to shout loud enough to wake the dead. Ha-ha-ha.”
“Gee, he must have been a cheapskate, not giving his wife her own headstone.”
“So, when do the ghouls show up, huh? Ha-ha-ha.”
“Let’s leave soon, I’m feeling dead tired.”
“Can’t you take a joke? I mean, hey, you’re looking pretty grave. Ha-ha-ha.”

You get the idea. Lines like that might be funny at Disney’s Haunted Mansion… but not at actual cemeteries and graveyards.

If someone starts joking, stop them immediately or leave the cemetery.

I’ve seen jokers suddenly twist an ankle where the ground had seemed perfectly level before, or hear menacing whispers, or encounter other odd problems.

Just the jokers. No one else.

Maybe the ghosts were “getting even.”

If so, it worked. Every time — no exceptions — the joker was terrified. Most quit ghost hunting that night.

3. Don’t trespass.

If the cemetery says, “Closed dusk to dawn,” get permission to visit it after hours.

If you inadvertently stay past dusk, remember that you are breaking the law; leave cheerfully and quickly when you realize your mistake.

Likewise, if the gate is locked, the cemetery is closed. Stay out!

4. Don’t be a vandal, even by mistake.

Cemetery gates, paths, crypts, and grave markers can be old or even ancient. They’re exposed to harsh elements, too.

So, don’t lean against or sit on fragile headstones.

Don’t use shaving cream to reveal inscriptions; many contain perfumes or other ingredients which contribute to decay. (Tip: A halogen flashlight at a sharp angle will reveal nearly as much – and sometimes more – than shaving cream would.)

5. You’re in the ghosts’ “home.” Be polite.

You are visiting – or perhaps trespassing – on the ghosts’ property. It’s okay to ignore belligerent, territorial ghosts, but be as understanding as you can.

Step carefully on graves.
Leave no litter.
Speak in soft tones.
Loud voices can annoy or frighten some spirits. That may reduce your chances of getting a great photo.

Some people recommend waiting at least a half an hour before taking photos. Then, respectfully ask permission of the deceased. I don’t do this, but many ghost hunters do. Use your best judgement.

6. Don’t bring “gifts” to the dead.

The only exceptions are flowers and (rarely) liquor.

If you’re leaving flowers — even artificial flowers — make sure you return regularly to make sure they still look nice. (If they don’t, remove them.)
Other gifts — especially toys for the ghosts of deceased children — may lead the child to remain (as a ghost) rather than abandon the gift you’d given them. (This has been an issue in Edinburgh, where well-meaning visitors have left dolls for the little girl ghost.) If you’ve already made this mistake, return to the cemetery and explain to the ghost that it’s time for the toy or doll to go back to its own home. Then remove the toy and thank the child for relinquishing it.
Some spiritual and cultural traditions include pouring liquor onto the grave of a loved one. If you do that, aim for an area where the alcohol won’t splash on anything above ground, and won’t seep into the ground to damage the coffin. Then, be sure to fill in any depression made by the liquid.

Note: If the police show up, they may not understand why you have an open bottle of scotch with you. In some communities, they may be able to arrest you, or at least take you to the police station to clarify what you were doing in the cemetery. Generally, I don’t allow anyone to bring alcoholic beverages to our ghost investigations.

7. Don’t move or remove anything.

Leave plants, markers, badges, ribbons, and so on, exactly where you found them. Do not pick anything, even autumn leaves from the trees.

However, if you find obvious trash, empty beer cans, or fast-food wrappers, you can help the cemetery caretaker by putting them in a nearby trash container. (If there’s no trash container nearby, find one, quickly. Never take anything home — even rubbish — from a cemetery.)

8. Do not eat or smoke in the cemetery.

Step outside the cemetery you’re hungry or need a cigarette.

Note: Cigarette smoke can cause false anomalies in photos and videos. So, even when you’re outside the cemetery, be sure no smoke drifts into investigation areas.

So, now you know eight important things NOT to do in a haunted cemetery. I’m sure you can think of others.

How to Get Permission for a Ghost Investigation

bw-pantheon-150h Here’s some advice before you ghost hunt in an apparently deserted or empty building.

What can you do when an empty home or building seems haunted?

Ghost hunters should never trespass. But, not everyone knows how to get permission to visit an empty site, and what to ask for.

EMPTY HOMES

If a home is empty, it may be owned by a ‘snowbird’. That’s slang for people who spend chilly winter months in warm locations, and return north when summer heat becomes unbearable at their second homes.

Or, the home may be for sale. If it’s been on the market for a long time, it may be neglected by the owner. Often, those owners live out of state and don’t realize how dilapidated their former home is. Or, it might be a repossessed home, owned by a bank that just hasn’t listed the property yet. Look for a realtor’s sign somewhere around the property. If you don’t see one, call any local realtor and see if the house is listed by anyone.

The house may be owned by someone elderly living in a retirement community, who is unable to maintain the home but doesn’t want to let it go, either. That’s not uncommon, especially if the house had been in the family for generations.

So, how you you get permission to investigate an empty house that seems haunted?

1. Ask the neighbors. They probably know who owns the house. A neighbor may even have contact information and a key to the house, to check on it regularly.

2. Ask the homeowners’ association. If the home is in a subdivision, there is probably a homeowners’ association. They almost always have a list of the houses, who owns each one, and complete contact information for every homeowner.

3. Ask the police. Many ghost hunters feel intimidated by the police. This is generally a needless worry. In fact, many of my favorite haunted locations were recommended by police who’d been called to those sites repeatedly… and couldn’t figure out what caused the noises, lights, or other signs of ghosts.

If a home has been empty for awhile, the police probably know about it… and its history. They may be able to tell you who owns it, or point you in the direction of someone with that info.

4. Ask the reference librarian at the nearest public library. He or she may know all about it. Reference librarians are wonderful resources.

EMPTY BUSINESSES AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

If a store or commercial building looks empty, look for a realtor’s sign. Do an Internet search on the exact street address; it may reveal who was there last. Check for their current address and phone number, and they may provide contact information about the landlord or the new owner of their old building.

If that doesn’t work, the research process is about the same as for an empty house.

1. Ask nearby businesses. In some cases, landlords are waiting for all of the tenants’ leases to expire, so that they can tear down the building and replace it with something better or larger.

2. Ask the Chamber of Commerce, or Convention & Visitors’ Bureau. They often know every neighborhood in commercial districts, and who owns which blocks.

3. Ask the police. Empty storefronts can be targets of vandals, and homeless people can try to use them as temporary shelters. So, the police may have information about the owners.

IF ALL ELSE FAILS

Sometimes, no one has a clue. I’ve never encountered that kind of problem, in over 30 years of research.

If a site is that difficult to research, find somewhere else to ghost hunt. Trespassing is never an acceptable alternative.

But, if you’re absolutely fascinated with an empty home or business, start with old, published “reverse” directories. They will probably turn up someone who was in the building in the past, and they may have information for you.

You can also go to the courthouse and research civil records, including tax histories, liens, and probate records. (In some areas, recent records are closed to the public unless you can prove a specific and compelling reason to access that information.)

Some courthouses charge a fee for this, some have indexed records, and some require you to contact them by mail (not email) and wait for a reply. Call ahead. You’ll probably reach a recording telling you how to access their records.

WHAT TO ASK FOR

In most cases, you’ll want the homeowner or landlord to let you into the building and remain there while you do your research. That prevents lawsuits, especially if the site has been vandalized while it was empty. Never risk being blamed for damage that you didn’t do.

If the owner simply hands you the key, have them sign a brief permission form, along with the date and time.

The permission form should list the address being investigated, the names of the researchers who are allowed into the premises, and the date and exact hours that you are allowed to be there. The owner should sign and date this form, and you should carry it with you.

When you return the key to the owner, have him or her sign the permission form again, noting that the key was returned, and when. It’s just a receipt, in case questions are asked, later.

Never make a copy of the key. Never let another team member borrow it. Use the key for your investigation, and — if possible — return it that same day, in person. Don’t just drop it into the mailbox at the owner’s home. (If the owner isn’t available when you want to leave the key, take the key to the nearest police station and ask if they’ll hold it for the owner. Do not mention ghost hunting. Say you were “interested in the building.” They’ll assume you were looking at renting or buying it.)

There are many liabilities connected with researching in empty buildings. Generally, I advise against that kind of research. There are plenty of other, more accessible sites for investigations.

But, I have never run into a stone wall when researching an empty home or building. Usually, the neighbors are the best resource. If you knock on enough doors and talk to enough people, you’ll generally get the answers that you need.