Introduction to Ghost Hunting
(c)2009 by Fiona Broome, founder of HollowHill.com
More newspaper research
Because newspapers like to talk about a 'new' haunted location each year, you may find some good information in past Halloween issues of the paper. Sometimes, those past issues are online. If not, most public libraries keep back issues of local newspapers, in stacks or on microfilm.
While you're at the library, ask the Reference librarian if he or she knows anything about local ghost stories. Generally, it's smart to call this 'folklore' or 'legends'.
Also, check local folklore books at the library. We've found some great, accurate stories there. We've also found quirky references to local, haunted places in regional history books from the late 19th century, when Spiritualism was popular.
If you go to the newspaper office to read back issues of the paper, talk with their Entertainment editor if you can. That's not the only resource at the newspaper, but he or she often knows several haunted locations that they're keeping 'in reserve' for future Halloween issues.
The police
If you know someone who works in the police department, he or she may be a great source of information.
The police know the locations that generate calls, where there's no explanation for what's reported.
For example, they're called when a security alarm goes off... but there's no reason for it. (In some locations, the ghosts seem to love to set off alarms.) It annoys the police, and - after awhile - they realize that it's something unexplained. Sometimes, they'll talk about those locations and other eerie events.
One New Hampshire police chief happily listed every 'cold spot' he'd ever encountered during his 20+ years on the force. He was delighted to be able to 'talk shop' with us, and describe an unusual 'hot spot' he'd found in a nearby woods.
A Texas police officer gave us a personal tour of two haunted cemeteries, pointing out the most haunted graves. He'd found us at one cemetery after hours, and cheerfully showed us around after he realized that we're researchers, not thrill seekers.
Regional books
Thanks to the popularity of ghost hunting, there are many new books about haunted places.
Some are awful, but some of them are very good. Look for books that establish a pattern to hauntings.
In my book, The Ghosts of Salem, Massachusetts, I'll report several eerie patterns to the hauntings around "Witch City."
One of them is my recent discovery, documented in my article, Salem Ghosts - The Judges' Line.
In my book, The Ghosts of Austin, Texas,
I talk about another pattern that I discovered; this one's in Texas' state capital. In my book, I explain that many buildings constructed by Abner Cook are haunted.
If you're in that part of Texas and you want to find a haunted public building, research Abner Cook... or read my book.
There's a chilling reason why Abner Cook's brick buildings are often haunted.
However, Cook's buildings aren't the only Austin pattern I describe. At least half a dozen locations -- related to "Jack
the Ripper" stories -- also report ghosts.
Also, look for well-researched books that cover new ground, so to speak. One of my favorites is
Haunted Hikes of NH.
It includes off-the-beaten-path haunted sites in the Granite State, especially along great hiking trails. (When those trails are in or near campgrounds, you'll have ample opportunity for legal, late night ghost investigations.)
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introduction to ghost hunting, part 2
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