Hollow Hill (dot com)
Case studies and ghost hunting tips for specific haunted locations.
These are a sample of the hundreds of photos I’ve taken during my 15+ years’ research at Gilson Road Cemetery, Nashua, NH (USA).
(Until the photo gallery is restored at this site, the following thumbnail illustrations show the kinds of pictures I’ve featured.)
Salem is haunted. Not just by the ghosts of the Salem Witch Trials, but by other troubled spirits as well.
I grew up not far from Salem.
So, I’m familiar with its ghosts… the ones people talk about, as well as they ones they don’t.
From 2008 through 2010, I researched on-site, discovering a wealth of hidden ghost stories related to Salem and the city’s famous Witch Trials.
(Of course, it helps that I’m descended from two 17th-century Salem families. Perhaps I have additional resonance with the spirits of Salem.)
Three very narrow and straight ley lines connect 90% of the hauntings around Salem. They predict where strange things will happen, usually within a few yards.
In the future, I hope to write a book about this fascinating topic.
In the meantime, I’m happy to share some of my research with you.
More information:
Salem’s “Judges’ Line” locations – Energy lines (ley lines) that connect many of Salem’s most haunted sites.
Gallows Hill – So far, no one knows where the real “gallows hill” was, where the witches were hung and their bodies discarded. However, the namesake location is worth visiting (if only to say you’ve been there) and may offer some research opportunities.
Witch Hill (aka Whipple Hill) – One of the most infamous locations connected with apparent “witch” activity in Salem Village. It’s also one of the loveliest and eeriest sites for ghost hunting.
GhoStock 7 Report: Salem Inn – A brief summary of my 2009 investigation at one of Salem’s most charmingly haunted inns.
Book ETA: Unknown. Discussions have stalled with my publisher, and my contract prohibits me from writing this book for any other publishing house.
If you’re ghost hunting in or near Austin, mine was the first regional book to describe – with specific details and addresses – ghosts that haunt Austin, Columbus, and nearby communities.
The Ghosts of Austin, Texas, by Fiona Broome.
Discover over 100 haunted locations in and near Austin, Texas. Explore the eerie links between downtown Austin’s ghosts, including the city’s connection with Jack the Ripper, and the creek that keeps on haunting.
Available at Amazon.com and other fine booksellers.
Here’s the photo from the book cover, in more detail:
This picture was taken in Columbus, Texas, not far from Austin. I was there around dawn, and the sun had barely cleared the horizon behind me.
I lightened the picture slightly (but did not alter the contrast or anything else) so you can see the orb and cemetery features more clearly.
That’s an extraordinary photograph, and it’s one of many from that cemetery.
This next photo was taken the same morning, pointing in the opposite direction. This isn’t a flash photo, either, but it has no orbs.
Nevertheless, I think you can see why I like researching at Columbus, Texas. It’s downright eerie.
Of course, Columbus is one of many locations in my book, The Ghosts of Austin. The main focus is on Austin, and it offers a wealth of haunted sites.
Oakwood Cemetery is among my favorite public haunts in Texas. It’s a large cemetery near downtown Austin. If you’re ghost hunting in Austin, plan to spend several hours there.
It’s surrounded by a fence you can see through. So, even after dark, you may get some great ghost photos and other evidence. (However, the neighborhood is mostly residential. Please respect their privacy.)
At any cemetery — including Oakwood — I look for grave markers with messages like this one:
“And never suffer me to be separated from thee” is a lovely sentiment. It’s also the kind of inscription that can indicate tragedy or at least deep unhappiness. Both are red flags that can suggest a haunting.
The marker, above, is one of many at Oakwood featuring emotional inscriptions.
Here’s another grave to look for. It’s a very damaged crypt. Any time you see a grave like this, check it for EMF, cold spots, EVP, and photographic anomalies.
In the following photo, you’ll see a similar, damaged grave in that same cemetery. Where’s the body or the coffin? (I hope it was moved to a safe location, or reburied in the ground beneath the open crypt.)
No matter where the body is, when you see an open grave like this, it’s a place to investigate with care.
The next photo features an odd family plot, also at Oakwood Cemetery. I understand the convenience of a low-maintenance grave site. However, this cement-covered plot is so unusual, I look at and wonder, “Are they trying to be sure everyone stays in their coffins?”
In general, always look for unusual graves.
For example, these two shell-covered graves stand out at Oakwood Cemetery.
In the next photo: Many of the cemetery’s headstones are worth researching. Here’s one to look into, if you’re planning a trip to Oakwood.
When I was there, I noticed odd EMF spikes around this grave. That doesn’t mean it was haunted, but it’s unusual enough to investigate.
I’m pretty sure it says, “M. Julia, wife of M. R. Reagan, & daughter of M. F. Bailey. Died July 23, 1861. Aged 26 years.”
(Double-check the actual stone to be certain. The photo isn’t clear and I may be misreading it, especially her parent’s surname.)
So, you’d be looking for records of a woman born around 1835, who married Mr. Reagan around 1855 or so, and died in 1861.
I’d start with death records for that date, and also check the 1860 census. It looks like her husband died September 30, 1865, so that’s another lead you can pursue.
With the EMF spikes I saw around that exact grave, I’ll bet there’s a tragic story, and perhaps a ghost.
The Ghosts of Austin, Texas was written by Fiona Broome, the founder of HollowHill.com, one of the Internet’s earliest, largest, and most respected ghost-related websites.
This book shares locations and stories of over 100 ghosts and haunted places in Austin, as well as those within a few hours’ drive of Austin. Photos in the book include haunted sites in Austin, Columbus, and San Antonio, Texas.
Ms. Broome was one of the first to report hauntings related to Jack the Ripper’s early years in Texas. (Since Fiona’s book was published in 2007, many “ghost tours” have included those sites in their routes.)
Fiona also identifies paranormal patterns that link many of Austin’s most famous haunted places. With this information, you may find even more haunted sites in and near Austin. Fiona gives you the tools to make your own discoveries.
Originally from New England, Fiona spent four fascinating years in the great state of Texas, researching ghosts and haunted places from Austin to Galveston.
Fiona specializes in unreported and under-reported haunted places that are open to the public. She approaches ghost hunting from an historical viewpoint, verifying and documenting ghosts’ actual histories whenever possible.
This book doesn’t repeat the same old “ghost stories.” It’s a fascinating study of over 130 ghosts and haunted places in and near Austin, Texas.
Many of them were unknown, prior to Ms. Broome’s 2002 – 2007 research.
The sites include:
This book includes true tales of ghostly encounters, street addresses of the haunted sites, helpful tips for ghost hunters, and eerie insights from “the other side.”
“…Spell-binding stories backed up with historical data and loads of photographs… recommended reading.” — Margaret Byl, Paranormal Investigator and writer
BUY THE BOOK
The Ghosts of Austin, Texas: Who the Ghosts Are and Where to Find Them, by Fiona Broome
Gallows Hill is among Salem’s most famous site related to the witch trials of 1692. However, no one is certain of its historic location.
Today, a site called Gallows Hill rises above a children’s playground and sports field. It’s surrounded by single-family homes in a quiet residential neighborhood.
But, is it that the hill where “witches” were actually hung? Evidence is scant and unreliable.
Most researchers use Sydney Perley’s 1933 map of Salem, showing Gallows Hill near Pope and Proctor Streets, near an inlet from North River.
Upham’s 1866 map of Salem Village offers similar information, and was probably among Perley’s resources.
We can learn a lot from the land formations of 1692, and compare them with areas that have — and haven’t — been filled since then.
In addition, Welsh researcher Gavin Cromwell* and I conducted paranormal research at Halloween 2008. Our discoveries suggest at least one additional spiritually-charged location near the current Gallows Hill site.
The land beneath the hill seemed generally normal. Perhaps the regular Witch gatherings — especially the huge one at Samhain (Halloween) — have cleared the negative energy.
However, I’ve sensed something troubling in the shrubs and wooded areas between the hilltop and the land below. That may be from more recent incidents.
Researchers may never document the exact location of the hangings, or where most of the so-called witches’ bodies were buried. That includes the body of Giles Corey,** remembered for one of the Salem curses.
However, additional research may reveal locations where unmarked graves and landmarks connect us with Salem in 1692.
Since my own ancestors were in Salem during the Witch Trials, I’m especially interested in finding more about that era and the spirits that linger.
*I’m confident that our experiences at Gallows Hill were genuine.
**Giles Corey’s first wife, Mary (1621 – 1684), is buried beneath a small stone at the Burying Point Cemetery, near the Witch Memorial. Her name appears as “Mary Corry” with a note that she was the wife of “Giles Corry.”
(Remember, spellings weren’t standardized until the 19th century. Many family names appear with various spellings on historic records and monuments.)
The biggest Gettysburg celebrations may be over for the summer, but I’d expect extra ghostly activity for several months.
Reenactments tend to stir up paranormal energy. The bigger and more authentic the celebration, the more intense the hauntings during the event, and the longer the ghostly phenomena seem to linger.
If I were researching at Gettysburg, yes, I’d visit the most popular haunts.
However, the problem is: Too much modern-day energy can dilute the older energy at the site. That’s always an issue with haunted sites that attract a lot of attention (and ghost hunters). Less-explored haunted locations may be better for serious investigations.
So, I’d also explore the off-the-beaten-path locations around Gettysburg and vicinity.
(They include the real haunts around Burkittsville, Maryland, made famous by the Blair Witch Project. Burkittsville is 56 miles – about an hour’s drive – from Gettysburg. See my articles: The real “Blair Witch” ghosts – Part One and Part Two.)
If you’re heading to Gettysburg for ghost hunting, the following article lists the top 10 haunts at Gettysburg.
Top 10 ghost-heavy spots: Gettysburg 150 (link no longer works)
…PennLive.com, on Fri, 28 Jun 2013 08:24:31 -0700
We asked Gettysburg Ghost Tours, After Dark Investigations, Haunted Gettysburg Ghost Tours, Ghostly Images of Gettysburg and Mark Nesbitt’s Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tours for the spots in Gettysburg with the most paranormal activity.
Here’s one person’s views of Gettysburg hauntings:
Haunted Gettysburg: How Can We Deny the Authenticity of Other Worldly Spirits …
Student Operated Press, on Fri, 05 Jul 2013 04:54:38 -0700
After studying the Battle of Gettysburg intensely for more than two weeks, I`m convinced this scene experiencing three days of intense fighting between the Blue and Grey, is HAUNTED beyond description or belief! The basis for an abundance of paranormal …
If you’re looking for Gettysburg ghost tours, this summarizes the top six.
Six Gettysburg ghost hunting tours: Gettysburg 150 (link no longer works)
Patriot-News, on Fri, 28 Jun 2013 07:23:01 -0700
Gettysburg Ghost Tours has multiple guides, including Johlene “Spooky” Riley, the host of the “Ghostly Encounters” radio show. It is located at 47 Steinwehr Ave. Cost: $8 adults, $5 youth. Ghost Hunts are $30 and $55. www.gettysburgghosttours.com; …
The first video is a 10-minute slideshow of various “ghost photos.” While I can suggest normal reasons for many of them (the first could be breath, the third could be hair), a few of the photos are worth serious consideration.
gettysburg ghosts
A collection of ghost pictures and video from the North East Pennsylvania Paranormal Society from Gettysburg, Pa.
This next video is a well-produced, nine-minute, set of first-person stories about visiting the site of Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg. The story told by the three men sound like a credible encounter with a residual energy haunting. It’s unlikely that the same visual imagery would occur, over and over again. In fact, the third man describes it as a “loop.”
As the tale continues, the conflicting numbers — and how Rich Mendoza explains them — are curious… and a little chilling.
I believe something weird happened to those men. Whether their story is entirely true or not, it’s a great ghost story.
A Gettysburg Ghost Story
A sighting on the field of Pickett’s Charge
Planning to visit Gettysburg? Here are a few useful links for tourists:
In 2016, an episode of the American TV series, The Bachelor, was filmed at haunted Houmas House in Louisiana.
Many people have written to me, asking if Houmas House is really “one of Louisiana’s most haunted houses.”
The answer is: Yes, Houmas House is very haunted… more than most Louisiana “haunted” houses, and perhaps more than most houses in America.
Houmas House’s ghosts don’t bear much resemblance to the way they were presented in The Bachelor.
In fact, I strongly object to how Houmas House – and its spirits – were portrayed in that show.
My husband and I had the honor of spending a night inside Houmas House, thanks to the hospitality of its owner, Kevin Kelly.
Mr. Kelly knew that I would thoroughly investigate the house, unsupervised. He also knew that I’d write a blunt and honest review of what I did (and didn’t) find there.
He put no limits on what I could explore, day or night. He was a superb host, and – after a tour to show us what was where, and explain some of the house’s history – he let us wander around the house & its grounds.
I was impressed.
I believe the house is truly haunted, and the energy comes from multiple sources.
First, there’s the history of the house. That includes its connection to the creation of what’s often called the Confederate flag, from the War between the States.
The house has also been the scene of several tragedies, including the loss of a family cemetery that was washed away in the early 20th century.
Then, there’s the energy that’s been brought to the house by the public. I believe that public perception can energize otherwise dormant spiritual energy. (It’s sort of like the Law of Attraction. If you believe a place is creepy and haunted, maybe your beliefs & energy contribute to it.)
Also, the movie “Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte” left Houmas House with a lasting connection to ghosts, madness, and gruesome events.
Yes, that movie was filmed at Houmas House.
Next, I believe Houmas House contains a larger-than-average collection of haunted objects.
From quirky artwork to antique “vampire hunter” kits, to some of Anne Rice’s furniture, objects at Houmas House provide an energy mix you won’t find in many other haunts, anywhere in the world.
The other structures – small cabins, etc., that may still be on the property – also provide reasons why the site is haunted. They have their own stories to tell. Their energy lingers.
And finally, the location of Houmas House – near a large body of water, and where it’s placed on the road, in energy (or feng shui) terms – makes it a prime location for paranormal reports.
Some of the house’s eeriness can be attributed to infrasound from the nearby water.
However, even if I discount the “creepy feeling” that seems to drift through Houmas House from time to time, infrasound can’t explain everything odd I experienced at the site.
During my visit to Houmas House, I saw several ghosts, mostly during the day.
In broad daylight on a sunny day, I saw a ghostly figure at the front gates. Another guest saw him, as well. We were up on the “widow’s walk” viewing deck at the top of the house.
The figure looked like a distinctive, slim, very tall man, pacing back and forth as if waiting for someone.
When I mentioned him to Kevin Kelly, he showed me an old photo. The dark-skinned man in the picture was an exact match for the slightly translucent person I’d seen at the front gates.
I had no doubt that it was the same person.
And, since I think I was the first person to report seeing that ghost, there’s no way Kevin was prepared to provide supporting evidence. (In fact, he had to go looking for the photo. When I confirmed what I’d seen, I think Kevin was more surprised than I was.)
Visitors and construction workers (making repairs and renovations) have reported a little girl on the house’s distinctive spiral staircase.
Kevin showed me one photo that I didn’t think was credible. But, I’ve heard and read other reports of the figure, and those were believable.
During my visit, I sensed something on the stairs, but I can’t claim that I saw a convincing apparition.
However, someone else has heard the little girl. Watch this one-minute video for that story.
That Houmas House video is at YouTube, at: https://youtu.be/fac0ctSq_eQ
I believe that I saw a reflection of a reflection of a little girl in the room where actress Bette Davis had slept during the filming of Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte.
First, I saw an odd reflection on the glass front of the wonderful old clock in that room.
I turned to see who was behind me. That’s when I saw the reflection of a little girl across the room. She was very small, no more than about five years old… maybe slightly older, if she was particularly petite.
She was there… and then she was gone. Was she the same little girl seen on the stairs? I don’t know.
All I can tell you is that I had the idea that one of her arms was injured or even deformed. It’s as if she was concealing it.
Kevin didn’t seem to think that Bette Davis experienced anything unusual when she slept in that room.
However, any ghost with an ounce of sense would stay far away from Ms. Davis. She was known for being strong-willed and sharp-tongued. She would not willingly share her room with a ghost.
Those are the ghosts I clearly recall from my visit to Houmas House. (My husband and I slept soundly in a guest room on the top floor of the house. If that floor was haunted, the ghosts didn’t disturb us. Not on that night, anyway.)
Houmas House is one of the rare places where you’re likely to see a haunted mirror. It’s the one in the Bette Davis bedroom, mentioned about.
Here’s my video about haunted mirrors:
The Houmas House episode of The Bachelor was embarrassing to watch.
From the start, I was skeptical when the ghostly little girl was given a name, “May.”
Perhaps someone has successfully documented the ghost’s identity, but the Houmas House website didn’t suggest that when I recently checked.
Then, the doll that they showed in the glass case did not seem to fit the correct time period. (Also, the staging with “Boo” outside, saying that someone had disturbed the doll… it seemed like an after-thought. It didn’t make much sense.)
After that, when Houmas House’s lights suddenly went out, and then when the chandelier seemed to crash (almost) to the floor, I was ready to stop watching the show.
Those kinds of things don’t happen in most truly haunted houses. Not the chandelier falling, anyway. (It reminded me of the silly ending to the movie, “Clue.”) Most of the time, those kinds of stunts are staged for silly movies and TV shows.
My biggest complaint was related to the Ouija board scene.
Yes, the letters had been painted white. That doesn’t make the board any less dangerous.
There is no way I’d allow anyone to use a Ouija board at a haunted site, unless everyone involved knew exactly what the risks might be.
(I’m not saying that Ouija boards are inherently evil. My personal issue with Ouija boards is that too many people use them for “fun,” not realizing that some divination tools open doors. Once a door is opened, an unprotected person can be at risk. And, if dealing with a demonic force, I’m not sure anyone is fully protected.)
In the following YouTube video (actually, an audio with video added later), John Zaffis talks about his experiences with Zozo and Ouija boards.
(I’ve known John Zaffis for over 20 years, and I respect him. He’s very different from how he was portrayed on the Haunted Collector TV show. If I’d ever considered accepting a role on a ghost-related TV show… Well, after seeing how they edited John, there’s no way I’d put my reputation in the hands of TV producers.)
Also, in this video, that silliness about Aleister Crowley using the Sun symbol as something evil, and other text & images added to the video…? Ignore them. I’m including this video only for John’s description of the Zozo phenomenon.
And, since I mentioned the weird, strange, and possibly haunted objects at Houmas House, here’s a video of John Zaffis sharing his views on that topic.
I don’t agree with him on all points, but I definitely defer to his greater experience in the field of dangerous haunted objects, and demon-like entities.
Despite my skepticism and irritation with The Bachelor tv episode, Houmas House is definitely worth visiting.
That’s not just because you might encounter a ghost in broad daylight.
It’s also because the house is magnificent, it has a fascinating history, and it represents an era (and architecture) you rarely see so well-preserved, anywhere in the South.
Here’s a 25-minute video by Kevin Kelly, explaining his experiences with Houmas House.
This Houmas House video is at YouTube, at: https://youtu.be/uG1qKa1dUD4
If you visit Houmas House, tell the staff that Fiona Broome sent you. Then they’ll know exactly what you’re looking for, and the rooms you should explore first.