10+ FREE Online History Resources for Paranormal Investigators

Whenever I research the history of a haunted location, or undertake the arduous task of finding any truth behind West Virginia's rich, spooky folklore, I draw upon many, many resources.  I'm lucky to have access to quite a few different avenues. I live close to Charleston, so visiting the state archives is no biggie. I live close to Huntington, where the Cabell County Public Library has an AWESOME local history and genealogy room. My background as a paralegal has given me training in navigating county courthouses for vital statistics and title searches. I have an extensive library of West Virginia history books and magazines. And, most of the time, I can afford to access paid newspaper archive services. 

But during the pandemic, I found myself relying a lot more on internet resources. Even before that, though, before I ever left the house in search of information, I'd find out all I could online. There are an innumerable amount of websites and other online resources that have helped me along the way, but I wanted to quickly share just a few that I find myself using over and over again. All of these services are completely FREE, with several focusing on West Virginia. Still, others are a great resource for any state. By no means is this a complete list, so if you have any suggestions to add, please feel free to comment below, or find me over on Theresa's Haunted History Facebook to share what FREE resources you use! 

1. WV History on View: West Virginia History on View is a service of West Virginia University's WV and Regional History Center. It is a collection of over 54,000 easily searchable historic photos from around West Virginia! 

2. The West Virginia State Archives: If you cannot make it to the physical archives in Charleston, the next best thing is to check out the digital collection. West Virginia was one of the first states to start digitizing vital statistic information, and their database of birth, marriage, and death certificates is easy to navigate and a HUGELY informative resource. Another area of the website I frequent is the database of applications for the National Register of Historic Places---if you're investigating a well-known historic building (or even one that may be part of a historic district), these applications provide a wealth of information that is so, so helpful. Browse around the rest of the site as well. There are lots of articles and pictures online, and if you're doing a deep dive into a particular location or subject, you can get a sense of what is available on that topic in the archives, so when you're ready to make the trip, you'll be prepared!

3. Chronicling America: This service, hosted by the Library of Congress, is a database of historic, pre-1963 newspapers. They obviously don't have each and every newspaper ever printed in the United States, but their collection is impressive. Early newspapers are full of articles about monsters, ghosts, and all sorts of other spooky things, as well as 'normal' articles about people, locations, and stories that could be of relevance to the case you're researching.

4. Sanborn Fire Maps: Also provided by the Library of Congress, this collection of old fire maps is a great resource for finding out what may have been built on a location prior to its current construction. It can be a little time-consuming and frustrating finding the exact area you need sometimes, but when you do, the reward is worth it. But don't just stop with the maps---the Library of Congress site in general gives access to tons of books, films, and other documents that may help you in your research. 

5. Find-a-Grave: Find-a-Grave is a user-submitted collection of cemeteries and the burials within. Not only do users submit who is buried in a particular cemetery, but information on where the cemetery is located, photos of the graves, and sometimes, background documents such as death certificates, personal photographs, and newspaper articles. I can't tell you how many times that missing puzzle piece about a person's death is easily solved by finding them on Find-a-Grave. In addition, links to the subjects deceased family member's burials are included.

6. Family Search: This is a FREE genealogy website. Although it isn't always as 'complete' as some of the paid services, it is a great resource. Genealogy research is an important part of the historical profile of a haunted location. Knowing the familial connections and where exactly a person lived, plus other details from their lives makes for some well-researched EVP questions, but also provides a bigger-picture understanding of the case.

7. tDar: The Digital Archaeological Record is a resource I've just recently started using myself, and am taking the time to get familiar with. While I've found that the actual documents usually aren't available for free, the site will let you know if there have been any archaeological digs/discoveries in the area, which you can then further research through other means.

8. County IAS Portals/County Assessor Pages: Each county in WV does things a little differently, but their IAS portals are generally pretty similar. An important aspect of the historical research on a haunted location is the property search, which back when I started, could ONLY be done by going to the county courthouse and sifting through huge, heavy deed/title books, finding out just who owned the property throughout history, and where the property lines actually were. Most of the time, you still have to do that, but IAS portals make it possible to pull up map cards and other relevant information BEFORE you head to the courthouse, giving you in most cases, a pretty complete look at former ownership (with deed book/page info included) and other architectural details. I've included the link for Kanawha County, WV.

9. Google Maps: I love Google Maps. Whenever we have a new case pop up, I search out the address of the location on Google Maps. Street View gives a pretty darn look at the outside of the property and surrounding area, while Google Earth is a great way to see just how close the property is to creeks, rivers, major roadways, railroads, and other significant things. Take a look at the area in regular map settings as well to get a feel for what the streets in the area are called (could a clue to the history be in the name?), and where places like cemeteries, businesses, and historic properties are located. 

10. Theresa's Haunted History of the Tri-State: I'd be remiss if I didn't remind you that this blog itself is a great starting point for historical research! I love sharing my research, complete with as many primary source documents that I can viably put directly in a blog post! If you take a look around, you'll see most posts dotted with old newspaper articles, historic photos, transcriptions from old books and magazines, and lots and lots of links for more information. 

11.MapWV: Looking for maps related to West Virginia? This is your one-stop shop! Find out property information, geological information, and even where you can go fishing nearby! 

24 Commonly Forgotten Investigation Essentials

A few of Spectral Research and Investigation's Toys!

As paranormal investigators, researchers, and enthusiasts, many of us love seeing all the new ghost hunting gadgets that are out there. We love seeing what other teams use and how they use it. We love seeing what evidence these items can capture. And, we love showing off our own toys! While obviously, the 'big stuff,' such as DVR systems, EMF meters, voice recorders, spirit boxes, etc. are integral pieces of the investigator's equipment bag and are rarely, if ever, forgotten...they aren't the ONLY important items to bring along. 

Over the past 20 years, I've had the opportunity to investigate a lot of places. Further, I've had the opportunity to investigate a lot of different TYPES of places. Whether it be an indoor or an outdoor location, a place located in town or out in the middle of nowhere, a private home or a business, each investigation is different and presents its own unique challenges.

To help meet those challenges and make each and every investigation as safe and comfortable as possible, I've compiled a quick list of 24 COMMONLY FORGOTTEN INVESTIGATION ESSENTIALS. Most of these items are items that at one time or another, I really wished I had brought with me. 

1. Paper, pens, colored pencils/crayons:  For me, these items are a must-have! I like to keep meticulous notes during an investigation, recording environmental conditions, anomalies on equipment, personal experiences, and much, much more data that I think will help in our final review. But, these items are quite versatile! You may need to sketch out a map. You may want to have your witness draw a picture of what they saw (this is especially true if you're interviewing children). You may need to leave a note or mark an area of interest. Or, you may want to get a lil' metaphysical and try some automatic writing as a communication tool. Bring plenty of paper and writing utensils, including a good black marker. 

2. Gaffer's or painter's tape: These types of tapes don't leave a residue and won't damage surfaces, which is especially important if you're investigating in someone's home or a historic location. We use to tape to safely tape down cords to prevent tripping, but it can be used in many ways, from hanging those signs/notes, labeling purposes (use your black marker to write directly on the tape), marking directions/making arrows and stabilizing equipment in one location. 

3. Hair Ties: You don't want long hair getting in your way, causing false positives in your photos or simply being a nuisance (especially when its hot, lol). So, bring some hair ties for personal use, but also keep in mind that you don't need to be McGuyver to see how useful they can be in other situations! Like the tape, hair ties can be used to rig up equipment and perform any job that you'd want to use a normal rubber band for. Hair CLIPS can also be pretty useful in a pinch, and ZIP ties have plenty of similar uses as well.

4. Snacks and Drinks: This one may seem pretty obvious, but you really don't want to forget your snacks and drinks! We're on location for close to 12 hours sometimes and we're not always in an area where you can find an open gas station or fast food joint. Keeping hydrated and keeping your blood sugar normal are vital to ensuring a safe and comfortable investigation.

5. Glow Sticks: If you're investigating in the dark, glow sticks are awesome for marking areas that you want to make sure are seen. Use glow sticks to show where equipment is set up, where hazards might be (such as loose floor boards) or anything else that you need to find easily in the dark. As an added bonus, they are an emergency source of light if your flashlights malfunction or run out of batteries.

6. Scissors and/or Pocket Knife: I can't tell you how many times I've needed a pair of scissors to open up a new package of batteries, cut a piece of tape that just won't tear, etc. Plus, these items can be used in self-defense if need be.

7. Pepper Spray: Speaking of self defense, pepper spray might also be a good item to carry with you. We have way more to fear from the living than we do from the dead. And, unfortunately, many 'haunted' locations are not in the safest areas. If you're licensed to carry, it is legal to do so in the area, and you know you can be responsible with a firearm, that is also an option. But, for most purposes, pepper spray is a relatively safe method of personal protection.

8. Change of Clothes/Shoes and a Jacket: Aside from the obvious jokes, a change of clothes is not a bad idea. Some haunted locations can be pretty dusty, muddy, or wet. There can be sharp nails sticking out of woodwork that can rip the armpit right out of a t-shirt (speaking from experience, lol). You might just get really hot, or really cold and need to add or remove a couple of layers to be comfortable. And, sometimes, you might find yourself spending the night in a location and just wanting a fresh outfit to put on for the drive home. 

9. Toilet Paper/Hygiene Items: Even indoor locations sometimes don't have indoor plumbing, or simply lack adequate TP. Make sure you have what you need to comfortably relieve yourself and clean up afterwards. This includes hand sanitizer, wet wipes, disposal bags, etc. Other hygiene items, such as deodorant and/or a travel toothbrush/toothpaste might also come in handy if you need to freshen up at any point. 

10. First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is an invaluable part of your ghost hunting toolbox. Keep plenty of small items, such as Band-Aids, antiseptic creams, and OTC medications on hand. The most-used item in MY first aid kit is always Tylenol and Tums, but cough drops are essential as well, as you don't want all your audio contaminated by someone hacking up a lung throughout the entire investigation. In addition, make sure you bring any prescription medication you may need to take during the hours of the investigation, plus an extra dose or two if for some reason you don't get back home as early as you've estimated. 

11. Printed Map and Hard Copy of Client Contact Information: I've spent many years investigating throughout rural West Virginia, and even in 2022, there are still huge sections of the state where cell service, especially internet access, is limited or non-existent. In the event of technical difficulties, you may not be able to rely on GPS to get you to your location, so make sure you have a printed map or directions to where you need to go. Similarly, make sure you have the client's contact information written down somewhere in case you need to find a payphone/landline to contact them at some point.

12. Cash/Coins: This tip applied much more back when I started investigating in the early 2000's, but can still come in handy. Make sure you carry some cash on you during an investigation. Waaay back in the day, it wasn't uncommon for the only gas station in a 30-mile radius to not take debit/credit, and coins were awesome if you could find a pay phone if needed. Today, you might consider having cash on hand for unexpected tolls, vending machine snacks, easily splitting up food or other costs with your teammates, small donations to the location, and purchasing souvenirs from whatever business or historical location with a gift shop you're investigating! 

13. Blanket/Pillow: These are handy to just throw in your vehicle in case you find yourself needing to get in a quick nap during your overnight investigation, or otherwise find yourself spending the night away from home.

14. Masks/Gloves/PPE: Even before the days of Covid, many investigators would include various PPE into their kit. Old buildings can be filled with dust, mold, rodent droppings, and even asbestos. A good mask can keep you safer and more comfortable while investigating, while gloves can keep your hands clean and cut down on contamination if you need to touch something questionable or collect a sample/specimen.

15. Plastic Bags: So, as an investigator who works mainly with hauntings, as opposed to cryptids or UFOs, I haven't found too many times where I wanted to take an actual sample or collect a specimen (although I have been given things such as possible bone fragments before, lol). But, should the need arise, you want to keep it safe. Plastic sandwich bags are great for this type of thing, and can be used in other ways as well, such as organizing small items that may otherwise get lost in your bag. Regular sized trash bags can also come in handy. You want to leave a location in the same or better condition than what you found it, so be sure to pack out all your garbage. 

16. Measuring Tape/Level: These are useful tools to have on any investigation. When you have reports of objects moving, especially balls rolling, you want to make sure the floor is level. Falls on staircases, which are sometimes blamed on being pushed by paranormal forces, can sometimes be ruled out when shown that the steps are uneven. A measuring tape can also help determine this, and can give you a visual representation of how far an object is said to have moved, the distance between pieces of equipment, etc. 

17. Bug Spray: If you're investigating an outdoor location, or even an indoor location that is exposed to the elements, bug spray will be a life saver! The last time I went out to the TNT area in Pt. Pleasant, I think I lost about a pint of blood to the local mosquitos. Seriously, those things would give Mothman a run for his money.

18. Multi-Tool: Some equipment (for example, the camera mounts we used with HPIR) requires a screwdriver. A good multi-tool will provide that and many other useful functions during your investigation. If it has a good enough knife/scissors, that's one less thing you can leave off your packing list.

19. Camping Chair: Much of the time spent on an investigation is sitting around, quietly observing. Many locations are low, or completely devoid of seating, so consider bringing a camping or folding chair with you.

20. Towel/Old Blanket: Like the camping chair, you can use an old towel or blanket to sit on, but it can also be used to wipe mud off shoes, keep you warm in an emergency, or cover up an area that needs to be covered up.

21. Cold/Hot Weather Gear: Investigating can get cold! Supplies like extra gloves and hats, as well as Hot Hands will help keep you warm, but be prepared for bad weather, too. Keep an ice scraper in your car in case temperatures plummet during your investigation. Snow chains for your tires, kitty litter, and a portable car battery charger can all be useful when investigating in the winter. On the other hand, investigating can also get very HOT. Personal fans and cooling towels, as well as dressing in layers, can help keep you cool.

22. Trigger Objects: Trigger objects can be just about anything you can think of that might help elicit a reaction from an entity, or get them to interact. If you know a little about the history and the alleged hauntings of the location, try to bring some trigger objects along that are specially tailored to that location. For example, antique toys, coins with specific dates, coal company scrip, cigars, etc.

23. Power Strips/Surge Protectors: We investigators have a lot of equipment, some of which needs to either be plugged in throughout the investigation, or periodically charged. Even if your location has electricity, outlets may be in short supply, or not exactly where you need them to be. Bring your own power strip/surge protector and a few extension cords. 

24.Chargers and Extra Batteries: This last suggestion should be a no-brainer...but make sure you bring everything you need to charge your phone, including the proper cord, brick, or car adaptor. Also consider a few portable charging rods or similar items, which can be purchased just about anywhere for fairly cheap. Similarly, make sure you have backup chargers, cords and extra batteries for ALL of your equipment. Batteries drain much quicker than you realize, and some locations seem to drain the life out of our equipment much more frequently. Be sure to pack up everything you'll need to keep your equipment running all evening. 

I hope this list has inspired you to check and double check your own paranormal investigation packing list, and possibly add a few new items. But, like I said, each investigation is different and requires different items. Each investigator is also different, and will require slightly different things to keep them comfortable and safe, and to get the most out of the investigation experience. This is just a quick list of things I came up with. Let me know in the comments below (or join me over on Theresa's Haunted History of the Tri-State Facebook) what items YOU'D never be caught dead without! 

*You can find more paranormal investigation tips and tricks on the Theresa's Articles Page of Theresa's Haunted History!*

Investigation Safety: The Investigator's Shinbone

 

Today's blog is another one of my Friday Funnies combined with some legitimate paranormal advice!  I'm sure you've probably seen the above-graphic, or some variation of it, posted on social media over the last few years, and with good reason.  It's something that most paranormal investigators and/or ghost hunters can relate to on some level.  I know I've personally whacked my shin directly into chairs, beds, coffee tables, and anything else that might be at shin level!  And, while it definitely doesn't feel good, and usually doesn't do any damage, it does bring up an important safety factor that I'd like to address. 

Although this graphic highlights the comical side of it, stumbling around in the dark, in an unfamiliar location CAN be dangerous. Luckily, there are a few ways to mitigate the risks. 

Whether it is your first trip to a location, or you've been there many times before, I suggest you start off each investigation with a thorough walk-through of the entire property.  If this is an indoor location, make sure the lights are on.  If you're at an outdoor location, arrive early to take advantage of full daylight. If you're being shown around by the client and/or property owner, be sure to ask them of any safety hazards you should be aware of.  Take note of where furniture and other large items are located, and locations where you'll be setting up stationary equipment.  I like to take baseline, reference pictures of the entire space before the investigation, and you can take it a step further by making a quick sketch of the area to be investigated, noting potential hazards and obstacles. 

If there are any areas of concern found, make sure they are pointed out to EVERY investigator/guest on site. If there are objects blocking high traffic areas, or fragile items that could easily get bumped, see if the client would be willing to move them out of the way for you.

For other hazards, glow sticks work great. You can use glow sticks to mark potential trip hazards, loose floorboards, uneven stairs, or furniture with sharp, dark, pointy corners. Portable touch lights can be set up in locations, such as staircases, that need a little bit of extra light. And, yellow caution tape can be used to mark off larger areas that need to be avoided altogether. 

When moving from place to place or room to room, pay attention to what you're doing.  It's easy to get distracted by your equipment, especially if you're filming with a handheld video camera or taking readings, but take a moment to look away from your devices to make sure you're not going to walk directly into something.

And finally, weigh the costs of whether or not you really DO need to go dark and/or investigate solely at night. There are plenty of reasons for and against going 'lights out,' which you can read about in my blog: Ghost FAQs: Going Dark. If you are in an area that has quite a few hazards and safety risks associated with low visibility, it might be worth sticking to daytime or lights on activities. And, as always, make sure a well-stocked first aid kit is part of your ghost hunting arsenal. 

I hope you got a knowing chuckle out of today's little graphic, but also picked up a few tips on keeping a silly situation from becoming something a little more dangerous. Have a safe and spooky weekend, and if your plans include any investigating, make sure to watch out for furniture and other safety hazards! 

Budget Ghost Hunting Equipment

So, this meme is supposed to be funny, but it does highlight an important aspect of paranormal investigation:  You don't NEED to spend thousands of dollars on equipment....especially when you're first starting out!  

My very first 'ghost hunting kit' contained a 35mm camera (often supplemented by one of those old disposable cameras), a flashlight, a notebook and pencil, a microcassette recorder that I borrowed from my mom's office, and a cheap compass.

As time went on, I upgraded quite a bit, but to this day, I still haven't really broke the bank on equipment.  It can be fun trying out the latest gadgets featured on your favorite ghost hunting shows, but the truth is, most of that stuff is not really scientifically proven to be able to detect ghosts!

If you're just starting out, I highly suggest you hold off on making any huge purchases for awhile.  Look around your own house and see what you already have that can be used on an investigation.  Most people either own or have access to basic stuff such as flashlights, video and still cameras, voice recorders, temperature recording devices, and basic means of taking notes.  And although I don't normally recommend using a smart phone for investigation purposes, in a pinch they provide access to everything I've listed above, plus a myriad of apps that some ghost hunters swear by.

If you decide that paranormal investigation/ghost hunting is a hobby you'd like to pursue further, THEN start thinking about investing in some higher quality, more specialized equipment. However, DO YOUR RESEARCH!  Don't waste your time or money on fun, flashy gadgets that aren't really of any scientific merit, just because you saw someone else use them.

Be wary of equipment that is specifically marketed towards ghost hunters.  This is for two reasons:  1. As I've said before, there is no way to prove ghosts exists, so its only conjecture at best that these devices can actually detect ghosts.  And, 2. These devices are usually going to be more expensive.  In the case things like cameras and EMF detectors, shop around to see if you can find the same or similar device, NOT being marketed to the paranormal community, for less.  

Also important to note...make sure you know how to use any equipment you might acquire.  Equipment is only as good as the person interpreting its data, so train yourself on how to use your stuff properly.  Know its limitations and potential issues. Finally, take care of your stuff---you're paying for it, so make sure you keep it in good working order. 

And, just a quick bonus tip:  People tend to want to start out in this field by buying a ton of really cool equipment.  Unfortunately, many quickly lose interest in paranormal investigation and end up selling off their stuff for much less than what they paid for it.  Or, as they find that they enjoy the field and want to go further, they upgrade their equipment and sell off their older stuff.  Shop around.  Take a look at places such as eBay and Amazon to try to find the best deals on gently used equipment!  

Watch Your Language! Speaking to the Dead in Their Native Tongue

It's been awhile since I've posted a Monday Meme, but I saw this one and knew I had to share it. It's hilarious---it definitely made me chuckle, because it is something that I've seen more than once. And every time I see it, I think, "What are they thinking?"

While it is funny, it actually is pretty thought-provoking as well. In today's paranormal investigation/ghost hunting culture, EVP (electronic voice phenomena) work is an integral part of the process. Personally, I feel that some of our strongest data and potential evidence comes from our audio. Therefore, its crucial to do everything possible in order to maximize EVP results. Way back in 2012, I blogged about some EVP Tips and Tricks, but I didn't really go in depth about language.

I understand that not all of us are as lucky as the TAPS team is above. Most of us will probably never conduct an investigation in a foreign country where the official language is not that of our own. That doesn't mean that we should just ignore the whole topic of ghosts that speak a different language, however.

This is where a little historic research comes in. Just because you and everyone around you speaks the same language, doesn't necessarily mean that was always the case!  The town of Gallipolis, Ohio was once a French Colony! However, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone living there today that speaks fluid French as a first language, on a regular basis.  In Northern West Virginia, many Italian, Hungarian, and other immigrants worked the coal mines and many never learned much, if any, English at all. You might live in an area that was once home to a large Native American population.

Italian Miners in WV
Photo from Marcia Green Hilton

If you suspect that you might have a ghost that speaks a certain language other than your own, familiarize yourself with a few key phrases that you might want to ask/say during your EVP session. It doesn't have to be anything fancy; a simple "Hello, my name is....What's yours?" is a good start. If an entity can understand you and thinks you can understand it, they may be more likely to attempt communication.

Similarly, you might get an EVP that sounds like speech---but it sounds like its in another language. If you are familiar with some different languages that were spoken in that area or may have been spoken by the people associated with the location, you can more easily and quickly get it translated.

One last thing to consider is this...is it all necessary? I've seen instances where investigators go into a location in a foreign country, speak their own language, and then get an EVP response IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE!  If we use the posted meme for an example, why would a 500 year old German ghost respond to a question in English?  If I could answer that, I'd be a hero in the EVP world. Alas, I am not...but there are a few theories floating around out there:

1. Spirits vs. Ghosts---While the terms are often used interchangeably, its pretty widely accepted that there is a difference between spirits and ghosts. Spirits are entities that are 'higher up,' so to speak. They are the souls of people who have passed and crossed over...but have returned for whatever reason. They may also be entities that were never human, such as nature spirits. Ghosts, on the other hand, are usually described as the souls of deceased persons who are earthbound---they've never crossed over. If you're contacting a spirit, who is a higher being, perhaps things such as language and other earthly constructs are not a problem. They can understand and communicate in any language.

2. You're not really getting a response from any spirit, ghost, or other paranormal entity. Instead, you're picking up radio waves, your own thoughts telekinetically imprinted on the recorder, or tapping into free-floating voices and sounds that are just out there, floating around. I know, it gets a little strange...but that's why we love it right? Part of the joy of paranormal investigation is trying to make the unknown known, to unravel the mysteries that have been eluding us since the beginning of time. Keep searching for answers, and have a wonderfully spooky Monday!

Book Review for Ghosts From Our Past

Title: Ghosts From Our Past: Both Literally and Figuratively: The Study of the Paranormal
Authors: Erin Gilbert and Abby L. Yates, with Andrew Shaffer
Published by Three Rivers Press (2016)
Amazon Purchase Information

Ghosts From Our Past is a little different than the normal books I review here at Theresa's Haunted History. Even if you're not familiar with the work, you might have guessed from the photo that this is a movie tie-in book for the newest Ghostbusters film, starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristin Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones.

The premise of the book is that it was originally written by McCarthy and Wiig's characters when they were undergraduate students in the mid-1990s. While the original book flopped, it was re-released years later by Abby, much to Erin's chagrin. Divided into three sections, the book discusses Abby and Erin's early experiences and how they met and got into ghost hunting, followed by a section dealing with their research, and finally concluding with a section on their methodology.

Obviously, there is a lot of creative licensing involved in this book, and it is largely a fictional work. However, I wanted to include it here because there really is some good, factual information about the history of paranormal research and general ghost hunting protocol. There's even a section in the back containing a few forms that are useful to those conducting a paranormal investigation.

Another aspect to consider is this: There are plenty of fictional elements included in this book. As we've seen over the years, people tend to take such fictional elements from movies, TV, books and other media and try to pass them off as something real. If you're someone who studies the paranormal, or maintains a website/Facebook group that deals with those topics, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with this information. That way you can easily debunk a fake entity as something seen in Ghostbusters, not traditional folklore.

You don't need to have seen the movie to enjoy this book. However, I would recommend it since the book actually plays a pretty big part in the movie itself. Of course, fans of the movie will be the ones who will appreciate this book the most, but I'd still encourage any paranormal enthusiast to give it a try. It's a quick, fun read that I think a lot of people who grew up with an interest in the weird can relate to. I really enjoyed it, and even took a few notes for further research ideas!  But, if you're more into paranormal literature that's strictly non-fiction, you can always check out my Book Reviews page for further suggestions. Happy Reading!

The Perfect Paranormal Investigation Website

I feel like I'm writing this blog ten years too late, lol.  With the popularity of Facebook and other social media sites, it seems like more and more paranormal investigation teams are going away from the traditional website and relying solely on social media sites.  While I agree that its important to integrate social media as an easy way to interact with people in your community and to network and share information, a well-built website is still an important part of a group's online presence.

Luckily, there are plenty of FREE and easy-to-use website builders for those of us who are less than savvy when it comes to such matters. Unfortunately, despite the ease of such programs, I'm still constantly running across REALLY bad paranormal websites and websites that have a lot of potential, but that could improve drastically with just a few tweaks. So what are those tweaks? What does a good paranormal investigation team website need to be successful? Here are my suggestions, broken down into two categories: 1. how the page actually looks and 2. what you have on it.

Aesthetics:
* Pick a background color and font color that are easy to read and don't strain the eyes.

*Make sure your font is legible. Avoid fancy lettering and stick with something simple and easy to read. Don't make the font too small or overly large.

*Avoid clutter. You want a streamlined appearance to your website to allow your visitors to easily find the information they are looking for.

*Avoid distracting music or animated clipart

*Keep it professional. Avoid any gory or scary-looking graphics. People are coming to your site for information and for help on issues that they may find unnerving. Scary graphics are just going to turn them away, or confuse them as to what the true purpose of your page represents.

*Proofread. Make sure your text is spelled correctly and that you use proper grammar and sentence structure. Also, make sure that the layout looks okay. I know from editing my own blog/website that pictures can get kinda wonky, text can get off-center, and any number of other weird things can happen, making the visuals of your site off-putting, lol.


Content:
*If you are an investigation team, make it VERY clear where you are located and what your coverage area is. Even if your name incorporates your geographical location, don't assume that there aren't OTHER areas of the country with towns, regions, and counties with the same or similar names. I can't count the number of times I've come across a group's website and based on their name, I assume they are local. After looking for the information FOREVER, I discover that they live in a county with the same name as my county...but they are located in a completely different state.

*Make your contact information readily available and easy to find, and make sure that you check your messages often. If you want people to contact you for investigations, you need to make sure your information is up-to-date, that all links are working properly, and that you actually check your correspondence on a regular basis.

*Provide some examples of your investigation work. People are interested in where you've been, what you've found, and how you've come to your conclusions. Just make sure you NEVER post a client's personal information/address, and that you receive permission to share  where applicable. I'm not normally a huge fan of the pay-to-play locations (locations that you pay to investigate), but these are actually great locations to help you build up a public resume, so to speak.

*Clearly state your mission and what type of services you offer. Do you conduct residential investigations, or do you just investigate public spaces in your spare time? Do you take a more scientific or a more spiritual approach? Do you offer house cleansings/blessings or other such services? Do you charge for services? Do you specialize in a certain aspect of the paranormal? Let people know what they can expect from you.

*Update Often! Even if its just a little blurb now and then, make sure you keep your website updated and make sure any links are working and current. If a website appears 'dead,' then it may be assumed that you are no longer active and people will pass over you. You'll also lose rankings in search engines if you fail to update your site.

*Members Bios. If your team feels comfortable with it, consider adding some member bios. Let people know who you are, what your specialty is within the group, and what your qualifications are. I like to think of an investigation website being like one big resume, especially if you're actively seeking clients.

*If you aren't posting original content, please, please, please make sure you have permission to share and that you give credit where credit is due.

To be honest, there really ISN'T a 'perfect' paranormal investigation website. Each team, individual investigator, and non-investigator paranormal enthusiast with a website has their own goals and their own purpose in having a site. What works for one person or team may not work or even be applicable to another. However, there are a few things that everyone should keep in mind no matter what:  Make sure your site looks nice and has good plenty of good content. It's that simple!

How to Be a Paranormal Investigator

Even in jest, this graphic's purpose seems to be to point out how the older generation of paranormal investigators is more serious about their research, and that newer generations just want to watch Zak, promote themselves on Facebook, and play dress up. While there is some truth hidden in there, there's a lot more to it.  Here are some late night ramblings about this goofy graphic...

I feel like I have gotten the very best out of both worlds. My interest in the paranormal was sparked well before 2000 and my earliest forays into paranormal research were influenced by some of the great pioneers in this field. I was forced to rely on lots and lots of reading to satiate my curiosity, because that's what was available. But, I really came into age around 2000. That's when I was finally getting old enough to actually start investigating seriously. The age of the internet and the age of paranormal reality television, while not totally dictating my interests in this field, definitely helped shape it.

 I'm very fortunate to have developed a love and fascination with paranormal research at an early age. I graduated high school in 2001, but even by then, I had been studying paranormal phenomenon for most of my life, thanks to my grandparents recognizing and cultivating my interests. Back then, I read every single book I could find on the subject. I exhausted the small collection my grandparents owned, and then I exhausted my school library's paranormal and folklore section. I interviewed family members about their ghostly experiences. I was in awe of the few television shows that featured paranormal phenomenon. I began collecting a list of haunted locations in my state, and 'investigating' them with a 35mm camera and a micro cassette tape recorder I borrowed from my mom's work.

After high school, I was able to take better advantage of the internet and all the resources it had to offer. Social media, especially Facebook, CAN be a great tool. It has made it possible to network and discuss with other investigators all over the world. We can share ideas and debate so easily now, when before, if you didn't know anyone in real life who shared your interests, you were out of luck.  I'm still not a huge fan of paranormal reality television and truthfully, there are many faults with this medium...but I recognize the contributions to the field it has made. People definitely are more open and willing to discuss paranormal events, knowing that they aren't alone.

And, I used the internet to find a team to join. Freelance investigation and experimentation is fine, but sharing resources, manpower, and differing points of view with an established team really opens up a lot of doors in this quest for the truth.

It's pretty apparent I'm guilty of a good number of items on the right-hand side of this list...but that isn't necessarily a bad thing and I certainly don't find fault with anyone who is just now discovering their love of paranormal research.  We all have to start somewhere and we all have to grow, make mistakes, learn from those mistakes and constantly evolve. We're all in this together...let's use good common sense, educate ourselves, and encourage one another to be the best that we can be.